url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/20/higgins-announces-additional-74m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $7.4M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA will award an additional $7,428,192.48 for hurricane recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The reimbursements include:

$2,058,454.26 to the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District (Port of Lake Charles) for permanent work to Ship Loader #1, which was damaged as a result of Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$5,369,738.22 to the Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District (Port of Lake Charles) for permanent work to Ship Loader #2, which was damaged as a result of Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/16/higgins-announces-additional-16m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $1.6M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA will award an additional $1,633,429.14 for hurricane recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The reimbursement to Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government covers emergency protective measures taken in response to Hurricane Delta. It is made at a 75% federal cost-share.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/14/higgins-undergoes-successful-surgical-procedure/,Higgins Undergoes Successful Surgical Procedure,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“A few months ago, while training, I aggravated an old internal injury. This morning, I underwent a surgical procedure. The surgery was recommended by my doctors earlier in the fall, and we planned the procedure to take place after the conclusion of this year’s votes. Everything went well, and I’m grateful to my doctors and nurses for their excellent care. I will spend the Christmas season recovering at home under the care of my wife Becca and will continue working remotely on many ongoing issues. The challenges we face together will not take a holiday, and neither will I. It is an honor to serve South Louisiana, and I look forward to a full recovery from this required surgical procedure. The new year is upon us, and together we will embrace the future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/over-100-republican-co-sponsors-join-letlow-parents-bill-rights,Over 100 Republican Co-Sponsors Join Letlow on the Parents Bill of Rights,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) today announced that more than 100 House Republicans have joined her as co-sponsors of H.R. 6056, The Parents Bill of Rights Act. The legislation would put common-sense parent participation practices into law and ensure that families are able to have a meaningful dialog with educators throughout the learning process. Letlow formally introduced the bill in the House on November 19.

“I’m incredibly proud to have more than 100 co-sponsors on the Parents Bill of Rights,” Letlow said. “It clearly shows that Republicans are united and working to ensure that parents have a seat at the table. This bill has now gained considerable momentum, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move it forward.”

A complete list of the H.R. 6056 co-sponsors can be found below.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)

House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01)

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY-21)

House Republican Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson (LA-04)

Republican Study Committee Chair Jim Banks (IN-03)

House Education and Labor Committee Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (NC-05)

Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12)

Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36)

Congressman James Baird (IN-04)

Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01)

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05)

Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12)

Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16)

Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02)

Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13)

Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26)

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03)

Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Congressman Madison Cawthorn (NC-11)

Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-01)

Congresswoman Liz Cheney (WY-AL)

Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01)

Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04)

Congressman Byron Donalds (FL-19)

Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03)

Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06)

Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-15)

Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07)

Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-26)

Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-04)

Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)

Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03)

Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04)

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01)

Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03)

Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-08)

Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13)

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27)

Congressman John Joyce (PA-13)

Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12)

Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16)

Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08)

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02)

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08)

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01)

Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18)

Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10)

Congressman Tom McClintock (CA-04)

Congressman David McKinley (WV-01)

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)

Congressman Daniel Meuser (PA-09)

Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-03)

Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15)

Congresswoman Marianette Miller-Meeks (IA-02)

Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04)

Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02)

Congressman Barry Moore (AL-02)

Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02)

Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-03)

Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-08)

Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04)

Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04)

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

Congressman Bill Posey (FL-08)

Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14)

Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07)

Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-04)

Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17)

Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04)

Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

Congresswoman Michelle Steel (CA-48)

Congressman Brian Steil (WI-01)

Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

Congressman Van Taylor (TX-03)

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

Congressman Glenn Thompson (PA-15)

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

Congressman David Valadao (CA-21)

Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02)

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07)

Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02)

Congressman Michael Waltz (FL-06)

Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14)

Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-2)

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02)

Congressman Robert Wittman (VA-01)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/13/higgins-announces-winner-2021-congressional-app-challenge/,Higgins Announces Winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge,2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that Luke Schwarz, a student at Episcopal School of Acadiana, is the overall winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana’s 3rd District.

Luke’s app titled “Hurricane Helper” is designed to help individuals in need of assistance following a natural disaster. The app will be featured in an exhibition at the U.S. Capitol next year.

“Congratulations to Luke on his winning app. He saw a real-world problem and used his coding skills to provide a solution,”said Congressman Higgins.“Connecting individuals to emergency assistance and recovery resources in the wake of a natural disaster can be difficult. Luke is trying to address those challenges with his app.”

“When, during Hurricane Ida, people started posting on social media for help. I knew there must be an alternative,”said Luke regarding the inspiration for his app.“Hurricane Helper is an app that allows calling for help in case you are trapped by a natural disaster. All that it takes is one click and helpers are instantly notified.”

Watch Luke demonstrate his “Hurricane Helper” app here.

—

About the Congressional App Challenge

The U.S. House of Representatives officially launched the Challenge in 2015 to help inspire innovation and learning in computer science and coding. The Challenge is a nationwide effort that allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or “app” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Student teams compete against each other by congressional district, and the winning apps are showcased at the U.S. Capitol each year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/08/higgins-announces-additional-635m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $63.5M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $63,497,587.77 for hurricane recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The reimbursements include:

$34,621,295.99 to the Jefferson Davis Electric Cooperative for emergency protective measures taken to maintain power distribution in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$3,609,555.03 to the City of Lake Charles for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$5,009,266.90 to the City of Lake Charles for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$8,572,317.06 to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for evacuation and sheltering services in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$1,582,164.39 to the Diocese of Lake Charles for temporary facilities at St. Margaret Catholic School in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$6,523,262.41 to the Calcasieu Parish School Board for management costs in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$3,579,725.99 to Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government for repairs to the Lafayette Utilities System in response to Hurricane Delta. The reimbursement is made at a 75% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“This latest round of reimbursements provides much-needed resources for South Louisiana’s recovery efforts. Over $2 billion has been delivered in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta, and we continue to prioritize the state’s recovery needs at the federal level.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/06/higgins-announces-additional-35m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $3.5M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $3,554,489.88 for hurricane recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The reimbursements include:

$1,377,859.11 to the Southwest Louisiana Electric Membership Corp. (SLEMCO) to repair power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities throughout Acadia Parish in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$2,176,630.77 to SLEMCO to repair power generation, transmission, and distribution facilities throughout Lafayette Parish in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/03/higgins-offers-pro-american-energy-amendments-democrat-climate-bill/,Higgins Offers Pro-American Energy Amendments to Democrat Climate Bill,2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) proposed a series of pro-American energy amendments during a House Oversight Committee markup on H.R. 5477, a bill that expands federal bureaucracy to implement Democrat climate policies. Democrats rejected the amendments, which aimed to maximize American energy production and decrease our reliance on foreign adversaries.

One amendment would have stricken the creation of the White House Domestic Climate Policy Office and replaced it with the White House Energy and Innovation Policy Office. The proposed Energy and Innovation Policy Office would ensure the United States has a stable energy supply, promote the exploration of innovative oil and natural gas technologies, protect U.S. energy markets from foreign adversaries, secure international export opportunities, and expedite the permitting and environmental review process for new domestic energy projects. Watch Congressman Higgins offer and discuss the amendment here.

A second amendment would have ensured that Democrats’ proposed Council on Federal Agency Climate Planning, Resilience, and Enhance Preparedness (PREP) include nuclear power as a low-cost option for emissions reduction. Watch Congressman Higgins offer and discuss the amendment here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Democrat energy policies are hurting working Americans, pushing industry overseas, and crushing economic prosperity here in America. Weakening our leverage worldwide and moving oil and gas production into countries with horrible environmental records actually injures the climate. This is yet another Democrat bill to weaponize the federal government against American energy producers. It is shameful that my Democrat colleagues rejected our amendments and continue to side with OPEC, China, and other foreign producers over American industry.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/02/higgins-commends-10b-investment-new-lng-facility-cameron-parish/,Higgins Commends $10B Investment for New LNG Facility in Cameron Parish,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) commended Venture Global LNG’s announcement to invest more than $10 billion in a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility, CP2 LNG, in Cameron Parish.

According to Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the new project is expected to support an average of 2,300 construction jobs and will result in at least 200 direct jobs and 867 indirect jobs upon completion.

Read more about the announcement here. Read more about the CP2 project here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Southwest Louisiana is the epicenter of American LNG. Venture Global’s investment in the new CP2 facility is a significant win and brings jobs and economic prosperity to Southwest Louisiana. My office will continue to do everything we can at the federal level to advance policies that support American energy dominance and the production of clean and affordable energy here in the United States.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/12/02/higgins-votes-against-spending-bill-funds-bidens-vaccine-mandate/,Higgins Votes Against Spending Bill That Funds Biden’s Vaccine Mandate,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“We have to draw the line. The socialists in control of the House, the Senate, and the White House have brought America to the precipice of doom. America faces $30 trillion in debt, unprecedented levels of deficit spending, and rising inflation. This bill exacerbates those issues and funds Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandate oppression. I oppose the Democrats’ plundering of American treasure and their oppressive mandates.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/83-house-republicans-join-letlow-co-sponsor-parents-bill-rights,83 House Republicans Join Letlow to Co-Sponsor Parents Bill of Rights,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) today announced that 83 House Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors of H.R. 6056, The Parents Bill of Rights Act. This legislation, which seeks to provide increased opportunities for constructive parent input in the learning process, was introduced in the House of Representatives by Letlow on November 19.

“I’m delighted to see so many of my colleagues join our efforts to give parents a greater say in their child’s education,” Letlow said. “We recognize that building effective partnerships between families and schools is essential because at the end of the day, these are our children, not the government’s. This bill has broad support from across the House Republican Conference, and I look forward to more members joining us in the days to come.”

A complete list of the H.R. 6056 co-sponsors can be found below.

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23)

House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01)

House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (NY-21)

House Republican Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson (LA-04)

Republican Study Committee Chair Jim Banks (IN-03)

House Education and Labor Committee Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (NC-05)

Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

Congressman Rick Allen (GA-12)

Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36)

Congressman James Baird (IN-04)

Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01)

Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12)

Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16)

Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02)

Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13)

Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03)

Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01)

Congressman Madison Cawthorn (NC-11)

Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-01)

Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01)

Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03)

Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

Congressman Bob Gibbs (OH-07)

Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-26)

Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06)

Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06)

Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03)

Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01)

Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01)

Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03)

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-08)

Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27)

Congressman John Joyce (PA-13)

Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12)

Congressman Mike Kelly (PA-16)

Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08)

Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02)

Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08)

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01)

Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18)

Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10)

Congressman David McKinley (WV-01)

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)

Congressman Daniel Meuser (PA-09)

Congresswoman Carol Miller (WV-03)

Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15)

Congresswoman Marianette Miller-Meeks (IA-02)

Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-04)

Congressman Alex Mooney (WV-02)

Congressman Barry Moore (AL-02)

Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02)

Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-03)

Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-08)

Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04)

Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04)

Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

Congressman Bill Posey (FL-08)

Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14)

Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07)

Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-04)

Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-17)

Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04)

Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

Congresswoman Michelle Steel (CA-48)

Congressman Brian Steil (WI-01)

Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

Congressman Glenn Thompson (PA-15)

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07)

Congressman David Valadao (CA-21)

Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02)

Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)

Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-07)

Congressman Michael Waltz (FL-06)

Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14)

Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-2)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/11/29/higgins-announces-additional-275m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $27.5M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-11-29,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $27,517,485.03 for hurricane recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The reimbursements include:

$25,554,573.39 to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura. This reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$1,962,911.64 to the city of DeQuincy for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura. This reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/11/23/higgins-delivers-letters-support-lake-charles-recovery-grant-applications/,Higgins Delivers Letters of Support for Lake Charles’ Recovery Grant Applications,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered several letters of support this week for the City of Lake Charles’ grant applications for federal recovery and mitigation resources.

The applications include grants through the Department of Housing & Urban Development’s (HUD) Choice Neighborhood program, the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Build Back Better program, FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, and FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

Read the letters of support here.

Congressman Higgins has repeatedly encouraged state and local elected officials to pursue federal grant opportunities. He delivered letters in June and August of this year notifying state and local officials of available flood and disaster mitigation grant programs. A full timeline of Congressman Higgins’ actions on hurricane recovery is available here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Since January 2017, my office has directly and officially supported many hundreds of federal funding applications. While it is incumbent upon state and local officials to apply for these funds, my office stands ready to support those applications at the federal level. We continue to do exactly that, and we’re working with the City of Lake Charles to aggressively pursue additional recovery resources in response to an unprecedented year of natural disasters.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/11/18/higgins-oversight-republicans-bidens-vaccine-mandate-threatens-americans-food/,"Higgins, Oversight Republicans: Biden’s Vaccine Mandate Threatens Americans’ Food Supply",2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. —Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-KY), and Oversight Republicans called on U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to delay the implementation of President Biden’s vaccine mandate for USDA employees until the department can explain how it will make up for the potential loss in staff. The Republican lawmakers express concern with current vacancies at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the vaccine mandate’s potential to impair our economy, food supply, and national security.

Congressman Higgins has been a leading voice opposing all vaccination mandates, and he has introduced legislation making vaccine mandates a federal crime. See that legislation here.

“We are concerned with the United States Department of Agriculture’s rejection of the National Association of FSA County Office Employees’ request for an exemption to President Biden’s Executive Order Requiring Vaccination for Federal Employees,” wrote the Republican lawmakers. “Our offices have heard from numerous farmers and ranchers concerned with such far overreach by the Biden Administration and how this mandate will jeopardize the programmatic delivery of Farm Bill programs. While parts of the country are still recovering from an active 2020 and 2021 weather season, such as the Derechos and droughts in the Midwest, hurricanes and winter freezes in the South, and wildfires out West, ensuring the Department is keeping offices fully staffed is crucial.”

Local and state FSA offices play a pivotal and crucial function in interacting with the agriculture community. Eleven months into the Biden Administration, USDA has only appointed seven state FSA Directors. These positions do not require Senate confirmation. Recruiting and retaining local and state FSA personnel is a complex and slow process, and the vaccine mandate will exacerbate it and result in the loss of decades of experience and knowledge.

“Playing politics with Americans’ food supply is profoundly concerning. With the threat of African Swine Fever knocking on our door, South Korea’s confirmation of High Path Avian Influenza, and the continuing rising cost of household foods, any further action by the Department that would increase these risks is misguided. We respectfully ask you to delay the implementation of this mandate until the Department can explain how it will make up for the potential loss in staff and when the remaining 43 FSA State Directors will be appointed,” the lawmakers concluded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/11/18/higgins-votes-against-democrats-4t-socialist-spending-bill/,Higgins Votes Against Democrats’ $4T Socialist Spending Bill,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) released the following statement after voting against Democrats’ socialist spending bill, which a Penn Wharton Budget Model shows will cost nearly $4 trillion.

“This $4 trillion tax-and-spend monstrosity is filled with Green New Deal agenda, unprecedented deficit spending, and job-killing tax increases that will hit every American family. We’re facing $30 trillion in debt, the highest inflation in over 30 years, labor shortages, and a supply chain crisis. Yet, Democrats are plowing ahead with their bill for bigger, more intrusive government and trillions of dollars in new spending. Their socialist agenda must be defeated, and we will continue to battle against this bill as it moves to the Senate.”

Congressman Higgins also released a video today discussing his opposition to the bill.

Some of the worst provisions in the bill are listed below. The bill would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/11/17/higgins-cosponsors-resolution-striking-down-bidens-vaccine-mandate/,Higgins Cosponsors Resolution Striking Down Biden’s Vaccine Mandate,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) joined Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) and more than 160 House Republican colleagues to introduce a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution formally disapproving of and nullifying President Biden’s unconstitutional vaccine mandate for American businesses and workers. A companion bill, backed by all 50 Republican Senators, has also been introduced in the Senate.

The Biden administration recently released details on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) mandating vaccination requirements for employees at private businesses with more than 100 employees. The rule will affect more than 80 million Americans and impose $14,000 fines for persons who do not comply.

Bill text for the Congressional Review Act can be found here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Biden’s vaccine mandate is an unconstitutional abuse of executive authority. Patriots in Congress are fighting back… legally, peacefully, and within the parameters of the Constitution. We oppose this government oppression and will continue to challenge the federal vaccine mandate with legislation and in federal courts across America.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-letlow-announces-parents-bill-rights-act,Congresswoman Letlow Announces the Parents Bill of Rights Act,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) today announced her plans to introduce the Parents Bill of Rights Act with a group of Republican colleagues. This legislation will put practices in place that facilitate meaningful dialog between a family and their child’s school, and lead to more input throughout the learning process.

“As a mom of two and a former educator, I firmly believe that the relationship between parents and schools should be collaborative, not adversarial,” Letlow said. “Education is not a job parents or schools can do by themselves, it requires us to work together. This bill contains common-sense ideas, and it also fully opens the door for those partnerships.”

The Parents Bill of Rights is built on five core principles that would apply to all schools nationwide that receive federal funding.

Parents have the right to review their school’s curriculum, reading materials, and state academic standards.

Parents have the right to lawfully engage with their local school board and educators.

Parents have the right to see a school’s budget and spending, including detailed information about revenues and expenditures.

Parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy.

Parents have the right to keep their child safe and be updated on any violent activity at school.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/11/10/higgins-announces-additional-53m-hurricane-recovery-housing-needs/,"Higgins Announces Additional $5.3M for Hurricane Recovery, Housing Needs",2021-11-10,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will award a $5,355,592 Declared Disaster Recovery Fund grant to the City of Lake Charles to address unmet housing and community development needs resulting from Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/11/05/higgins-votes-against-12t-infrastructure-bill/,Higgins Votes Against $1.2T Infrastructure Bill,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) released the following statement after voting against the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill and the rule on Democrats’ reconciliation bill, which a Penn Wharton Budget Model shows will cost nearly $4 trillion.

“I have done everything in my power to stop the oppressive socialist agenda, the accelerated enactment of the Democrats’ plan to dominate America. This so-called infrastructure bill is a significant part of that agenda. The bill is 9% roads and bridges and 91% socialist garbage. It’s a losing deal for Louisiana, further seizure of power by the thieves in suits of DC, and an advancement of a plan so diabolical I am unable even to write of it here, today. No real Republican should support either of these insidious bills.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/11/02/higgins-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-reform-nfip/,Higgins Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Reform the NFIP,2021-11-02,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) joined Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) to introduce the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2021. The bill reauthorizes the NFIP for five years and implements critical reforms to improve the program.

The NFIP Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2021 would take concrete steps to improve affordability, transparency, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of the NFIP by:

Reauthorizing NFIP for five years and extending the program until September 30, 2026.

Ending runaway premium hikes by capping annual rate increases to 9 percent. Currently, premiums can increase by up to 25 percent a year — which has an adverse effect on property values, creates affordability challenges, and discourages participation in the program. This will put guardrails on FEMA’s new rating methodology, known as Risk Rating 2.0, and prevent a rate shock that would undermine and weaken the flood insurance program and put taxpayers on the hook for even more disaster assistance grants.

Instituting a significant number of policyholder protection and fairness provisions to ensure homeowners who faithfully paid their premiums are treated fairly during the claims process.

A section-by-section overview of the bill is available here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“We need a long-term reauthorization of the NFIP, including reforms to improve the program. Our bill provides that while protecting Louisiana home and business owners from unaffordable rate hikes. These are much-needed reforms to improve affordability, ensure fairness in the insurance claims process, and provide certainty for Louisiana families that hold NFIP policies.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/28/higgins-announces-additional-53m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $5.3M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA will award $5,301,281.57 to Southwest Louisiana Electric Membership Corp. (SLEMCO) for restoration of the electrical transmission and distribution system in response to Hurricane Delta. The reimbursement is made at a 75% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“We have not stopped working to prioritize Southwest Louisiana’s recovery efforts, and we continue to push for necessary disaster resources. Over $2 billion in relief funding has been delivered and allocated in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Additional support is necessary, and we’re working with our state and local officials to prioritize funds for Louisiana’s 2020 storm season disaster recovery.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/26/higgins-announces-595m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces $595M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will award $594,931,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to Louisiana in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

The funds are made available through the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, which passed with Congressman Higgins’ support last month. The bill included $5 billion for the CDBG program with $1.6 billion required to be allocated within 30 days of enactment. The $595 million is part of that initial allocation. Congressman Higgins has called for additional support in subsequent allocation rounds and is proactively working with state and local officials to influence HUD’s rulemaking process and allocation determinations.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“This initial allocation of $595 million is welcome news for South Louisiana. We continue to push for additional resources and priority consideration of Community Development Block Grant funding for Louisiana. Additional support is necessary in response to the 2020 hurricanes, and we’re working with our state and local officials to ensure that much more of the $5 billion topline will go toward Louisiana’s 2020 storm season disaster recovery.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/25/higgins-delivers-letter-biden-urging-additional-relief-communities-effected/,"Higgins Delivers Letter to Biden, Urging Additional Relief for Communities Effected by Natural Disasters",2021-10-25,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered an official letter to President Biden, in support of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edward’s letter requesting additional financial assistance and regulatory relief for communities effected by natural disasters in 2020.

“As you know, the federal government’s initial “down payment” of recovery funding was signed into law on September 30, 2021, as part of a continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding through December 03, 2021,” Congressman Higgins wrote. “Before that date, Congress must pass a budget or an additional CR to continue federal operations. This presents your administration with the opportunity to take additional steps to support rebuilding efforts across Louisiana.”

The letter continues, “As directed by the previous CR, federal agencies, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), have begun initial rule-making processes and allocation determinations. I ask that you speak with these agencies and direct them to utilize the full authorities given to them by Congress through P.L. 117-43 to address to damage caused by Hurricanes Laura and Delta, as well as other declared natural disasters in 2020. I also ask that you give your full consideration to the additional aid that our Governor has requested in his letter.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/20/higgins-slams-irs-plan-spy-americans-bank-accounts/,Higgins Slams IRS Plan to Spy on Americans’ Bank Accounts,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,“I’ve been quite actively engaged in the fight to force removal of the $600 reporting threshold that the Democrats very much wanted snuck into their monstrosity spending bill. I will never sit idly by and allow invasion of privacy that impacts the overwhelming majority of Americans. The federal government should not be spying on Americans’ bank accounts. This is but one of many intrusive and injurious policies buried within the Democrats’ $5.5 trillion socialist tax-and-spend agenda. Every real Republican should oppose these insidious bills. Democrats really wanted the $600 reporting requirement. The very fact that they pulled it out is reflective of the fact that they’re desperate to pass both bills. It’s unfortunate that any Republican would support their socialist spending agenda.”,1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/15/higgins-gop-colleagues-call-biden-reverse-anti-american-energy-policies/,"Higgins, GOP Colleagues Call on Biden Reverse Anti-American Energy Policies",2021-10-15,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) joined over 140 House Republicans calling on President Biden to reverse his anti-American policies that have injured domestic energy production and emboldened foreign producers.

“We disagree with your Administration’s efforts to decrease access to American energy resources while soliciting OPEC+ nations to increase production of their resources. As you are aware, OPEC+ includes nations that are known American adversaries, such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. It is not in America’s interest to rely on these nations for energy,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter. “Instead, eliminating barriers to American-produced oil and natural gas and its infrastructure will increase American economic and job growth, enhance national and energy security, and lower energy prices for American families. It will also result in reduced global emissions as the United States produces energy with an environmental responsibility that exceeds those of other nations upon which you wish for America to rely.”

“Unfortunately, your recent request of OPEC+ is consistent with a number of anti-American energy policies that your Administration and congressional Democrats are pushing, including: cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline; proposing to ban domestic fracking; declaring a moratorium on oil and natural gas leases on Federal lands and waters; and changing tax law to harm domestic production,” continued the lawmakers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/14/higgins-announces-additional-45m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $4.5M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-10-14,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $4,507,836.76 for hurricane recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The grants include:

$2,282,144.81 to the City of Lake Charles for emergency protective measures in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$2,225,691.95 to the Southwest Louisiana Electric Membership Corp. (SLEMCO) for utility distribution repairs in response to Hurricane Delta. The reimbursement is made at a 75% federal cost-share.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“These reimbursements are good news for South Louisiana’s recovery mission. After my conversation with FEMA Administrator Criswell last week, we’ve seen progress on a number of outstanding Public Assistance applications. We’ll continue working with FEMA to expedite those approvals and deliver much-needed recovery resources to South Louisiana.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/13/higgins-announces-additional-358m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $35.8M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-10-13,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $35,874,089.97 for Hurricane Laura recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The grants include:

$20,899,921.33 to Cameron Parish for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura. This reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$1,202,751.59 to Jeff Davis Electric Co-op for emergency protective measures as a result of Hurricane Laura. This reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$1,080,713.93 to the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development for debris removal in response to Hurricane Laura. This reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$7,044,537.99 to the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development for emergency protective measures as a result of Hurricane Laura. This reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$5,646,165.13 to the Louisiana Office of RiskManagement for emergency protective measures as a result of Hurricane Laura. This reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins spoke directly with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell last week and urged her to expedite Louisiana’s outstanding Public Assistance applications from the 2020 hurricane season. He also delivered a letter in September asking FEMA to address inspection delays and quickly approve pending applications from Cameron Parish.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“We continue to push FEMA to deliver the necessary resources for hurricane recovery in South Louisiana. Getting these resources to state and local entities promptly is critical. Our recovery mission is ongoing, and South Louisiana will stand back up.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/07/higgins-announces-112m-hurricane-recovery-funds-calcasieu-parish-school-board/,Higgins Announces $112M in Hurricane Recovery Funds for Calcasieu Parish School Board,2021-10-07,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $112,440,892.60 to the Calcasieu Parish School Board (CPSB) for hurricane recovery efforts.

Congressman Higgins has repeatedly called on FEMA to expedite Public Assistance applications for the 2020 hurricane season. This week, he questioned FEMA Administrator Criswell directly about Calcasieu Parish School Board’s pending applications and followed up that exchange hours later with a letter documenting specific requests. Congressman Higgins also delivered a letter on August 10 urging FEMA to quickly review and approve CPSB’s outstanding applications.

Congressman Higgins previously announced $11.2 million to CPSB for temporary roof repairs in response to Hurricane Laura.

The grants include:

$23,749,254.82 for remediation and emergency protective measures in response to Hurricane Laura at 33 campuses on the west side of the parish. The reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$36,012,699.40 for remediation and emergency protective measures in response to Hurricane Laura at 43 campuses on the east side of the parish. The reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$27,413,599.63 for remediation and emergency protective measures in response to Hurricane Laura at 43 campuses on the east side of the parish. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$25,265,338.75 for remediation and emergency protective measures in response to Hurricane Laura at 33 campuses on the west side of the parish. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“I spoke directly with FEMA Administrator Criswell this week and was encouraged by her personal commitment to help push these applications through the review process. These are much-needed reimbursements and will allow the Calcasieu Parish School Board to continue repairs on the damaged facilities. We’ll continue to push FEMA for expedited review and approval of outstanding Public Assistance applications, for CPSB and other public entities across South Louisiana.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/06/higgins-calls-fema-administrator-halt-implementation-nfip-risk-rating-20/,Higgins Calls on FEMA Administrator to Halt Implementation of NFIP Risk Rating 2.0,2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) questioned FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell this week and called on her to halt the implementation of NFIP Risk Rating 2.0, which is expected to drastically increase flood insurance costs for Louisiana policyholders.

Congressman Higgins, members of the Louisiana delegation, and bipartisan lawmakers from across the country have previously called on FEMA to delay the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0. Read their recent letter here.

Key exchanges include:

Congressman Higgins: “Regarding Risk Rating 2.0, respectfully, members of the Louisiana delegation have written several letters to your agency. This may predate your service, and I respect that but would like some answers on this. The quote from a FEMA document stated that ’97 percent of current policyholders’ premiums will either decrease or increase by about $20 per month under Risk Rating 2.0.’ We know this is not true. We’re seeing example after example after example of extreme variances in policy expense. Sometimes going from maybe $500 a year to 2,3,4,5,7 thousand a year. There are incredible disparities between the reality of the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0 and what was expected and projected and communicated by FEMA as that legislation was passed.”

Congressman Higgins: “Can you respond to that please, to this committee formally? And can we get a commitment from you today that FEMA will consider delaying the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0 until we get solid answers about the realities of what it really means to American citizens that carry National Flood Insurance Program policies?“

Administrator Criswell: “Congressman, we can certainly get back to you with any of the specific information, but Risk Rating 2.0 has been implemented, and already individuals are seeing decreases in their insurance rates, which is the first time that this program has taken equity into account to make sure people are paying for the risk that they have.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/06/higgins-urges-fema-expedite-public-assistance-reimbursements-response-2020/,Higgins Urges FEMA to Expedite Public Assistance Reimbursements in Response to 2020 Hurricanes,2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter this week to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting her assistance to expedite outstanding Public Assistance applications in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

The letter follows an exchange in a House Oversight Committee hearing where Congressman Higgins secured a commitment from Administrator Criswell to personally review Southwest Louisiana’s outstanding applications for Public Assistance. Read more on the hearing here.

“As discussed, I have concerns over the progress made on Public Assistance applications from Hurricane Laura (DR-4559) and Hurricane Delta (DR-4570),” Congressman Higgins wrote in the letter. “Southwest Louisiana is appreciative of the $1.6 billion that FEMA and other agencies have delivered to help with immediate response costs. However, this is insufficient for what is needed for long-term recovery.”

The letter includes a list of pending Public Assistance applications, including those from the Calcasieu Parish School Board, Cameron Parish, Jeff Davis Parish Police Jury, City of Jennings, Port of Lake Charles, West Calcasieu Port, Lake Charles Regional Airport, and Chennault International Airport.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/10/05/higgins-presses-fema-administrator-hurricane-response/,Higgins Presses FEMA Administrator on Hurricane Response,2021-10-05,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) questioned FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on ongoing issues and the agency’s response to Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida during a House Oversight Committee hearing today.

Key excerpts from Congressman Higgins’ opening statement:

Congressman Higgins: “Southwest Louisiana is appreciative of the $1.6 billion that FEMA and other agencies have delivered to help with immediate response costs, but this is insufficient for what is needed for long-term recovery. Hurricanes Laura and Delta alone have been estimated to cause $16 billion in damage to the region.”

Congressman Higgins: “Even with the passage of last week’s Continuing Resolution, these funds are over a year late and fall short of the necessary federal response. The entire Louisiana Delegation, including our Governor, has written 14 letters to Administration and Congressional leaders to get the funding out the door. Yet, political realities have injured the lives of Southwest Louisiana’s citizens for over 400 days.”

Congressman Higgins: “In closing, I would hope, Madam Chair, that although we can recognize intellectually, we may struggle as a body to address what’s been referred to as extreme weather. Perhaps the Chairwoman would agree to work with myself, my office, and Republican members of the committee to deal with the extreme bureaucracy that we face. We can certainly address that, whereby response to natural disasters across the country that affect Americans at one time or another in a very negative way… that we could work together to streamline bureaucracy and red tape that we face as citizenry attempting to recover.”

Key excerpts from Congressman Higgins’ exchange with Administrator Criswell:

Congressman Higgins: “Let me clarify that virtually every public entity, including Calcasieu Parish School Board, Cameron Parish, Jeff Davis Parish, the Port of Lake Charles, and the city of Jennings have numerous Public Assistance applications still outstanding from the 2020 hurricane season. This delay in funding has real-world consequences that forces small and local government entities to attempt to fund recovery efforts from very slim margins of revenue and to leverage state bond funding and other revenue streams.”

Congressman Higgins: “The fact that over a year after the initial incidents that these cities and towns are still waiting on the Public Assistance reimbursements that they qualify for, or in some cases even to have FEMA inspectors come and appraise the damage a year later. That’s shameful.”

…

Congressman Higgins: “As we discuss potential changes to federal programs to better respond to future natural disasters, meeting the citizens’ needs should be our top concern. An increased focus on timely responses between the federal government and the state and local entities. That should be primary, and better coordination and proactive efforts are needed.”

Congressman Higgins: “Administrator Criswell, I wrote to you on August 10th regarding Calcasieu Parish School Board’s Public Assistance (PA) applications. This is an example of the bureaucracy that we’re frustrated with from FEMA. The School Board has two Category A, 21 Category B, and 82 Category E projects currently outstanding. This is from a storm a year ago, ma’am. While some of these applications have been approved, it’s very few. Most of the requests are still outstanding. Jeff Davis Parish has $2 million worth of requests. These parishes cannot afford to carry that for a year for programs that they qualify for. Additionally, regarding FEMA’s 50 percent rule, the Port of Lake Charles has submitted multiple projects in order to receive funding and has yet to receive one validation or determination from FEMA.”

Congressman Higgins: “Administrator, can you explain why this school district, for instance, local governments, and others like it in my district have had to wait, in some cases over 300 days, to receive reimbursement that they clearly qualify for? Is it a funding issue, is it because of inspectors, or is it due to bureaucracy, ma’am?”

Administrator Criswell: “I certainly appreciate your advocacy for your constituents there in Lake Charles. We discussed this previously on the Committee on Homeland Security. In following that, I did make a trip down to Lake Charles. I visited with Mayor Nic Hunter to better understand some of the struggles that he has been experiencing, and I brought my senior leadership team with me so they could follow up directly. Some of the things we learned brand new during that visit, and my team has been following up on it.”

Administrator Criswell: “I don’t have the specifics on the school district that you mentioned, but it’s taking too long is what it sounds like. I commit to you that my team will continue to work with the representatives there to make sure that we’re moving this forward as fast as we can. I thought that we had made some progress after that visit, but I will follow up and make sure that it’s continuing to move forward.”

…

Congressman Higgins: “Administrator Criswell, thank you for being here today. We have more work to do. My office will be delivering a letter to you and your senior staff by the close of business today documenting specific, urgent requests to FEMA on behalf of my constituency who has been suffering for over a year from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. I’d like your personal commitment, ma’am, that you will receive our letter and be involved.”

Congressman Higgins: “Regarding rural areas and small towns. I beg of you, madam. Let’s make sure that our small towns, rural areas, poor communities get adequate attention and compassionate response, that they don’t get left behind. Can I get your commitment on receiving our letter documenting specific requests, urgent requests, and can I get a commitment that our rural areas and poorer communities don’t get overlooked and left behind?

Administrator Criswell: “Congressman Higgins, you have my commitment to be personally involved in that response to your letter, and I’d like to thank you and Congressman Carter for your leadership in supporting the people that have been impacted by these recent events in Louisiana.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/30/higgins-votes-pass-disaster-relief-louisiana/,Higgins Votes to Pass Disaster Relief for Louisiana,2021-09-30,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted today in support of a clean short-term funding bill that delivers supplemental disaster relief to South Louisiana and keeps the government open. The bill does not increase the debt limit and will provide $28.6 billion to address natural disasters, including Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida.

Congressman Higgins has repeatedly advocated for additional disaster relief funding since Hurricane Laura devastated Southwest Louisiana last year. A timeline of those efforts is available here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-letlows-statement-continuing-resolution-vote,Congresswoman Letlow's Statement on Continuing Resolution Vote,2021-09-30,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) released the following statement on her vote on the Continuing Resolution:

""After weeks of partisan bickering, I voted to bring home critical disaster relief, keep the federal government running, and protect the backbone of our region – our farmers. This vote was the right thing to do for the Fifth District.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/29/higgins-announces-additional-12m-hurricane-recovery-disaster-response/,"Higgins Announces Additional $12M for Hurricane Recovery, Disaster Response",2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $12,830,786.96 for hurricane recovery and disaster response efforts in South Louisiana.

The grants include:

$8,505,559.34 to Cameron Parish for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$2,829,193.39 to Southwest Louisiana Electric Membership Corp. (SLEMCO) for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Delta. The reimbursement is made at a 75% federal cost-share.

$1,496,034.23 to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety (State Police) for emergency protective measures in response to the Severe Winter Storm. The reimbursement is made at a 75% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

On September 17, 2021, Congressman Higgins pressed FEMA to expedite the review and approval of Cameron Parish’s Public Assistance (PA) applications as well as address lingering issues with site inspections. That letter is available here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“We continue to push FEMA for a more efficient review and approval process for public assistance reimbursements. Getting these resources to state and local entities promptly is critical to the overall recovery effort. Streamlining access to existing resources should be FEMA’s primary objective for victims of the 2020 hurricane season.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/24/higgins-votes-against-democrats-assault-pro-life-protections/,Higgins Votes Against Democrats’ Assault on Pro-Life Protections,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,“Democrats want the ability to murder an unborn child at any time for any reason up until the moment of birth. It is pure evil. Some of us are fighting back against this madness and working to defeat this abomination of a bill. Our fight to protect the unborn and the right to life shall continue. We will not stop.”,1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/letlow-scalise-graves-higgins-and-carter-ask-corps-speed-operation-blue-roof,"Letlow, Scalise, Graves, Higgins, and Carter Ask the Corps to Speed Up Operation Blue Roof",2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) today was joined by Minority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01), Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06), Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02) in sending a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, asking them to speed up the completion of Operation Blue Roof. In the wake of Hurricane Ida, more than 62,000 Louisiana households have applied for assistance under the program, but only 3,743 installations have been completed to date.

The bipartisan group noted that while the Corps is dedicating additional resources to the program, even the advanced completion rate will not meet the pressing need in Southeast Louisiana. “While we appreciate the accelerated speed under this ramp up, at that rate it would take approximately 98 days to complete installation for every applicant under the Blue Roof program,” the letter states. “This timeframe is unacceptable and will lead to additional damage to homes while people’s roofs remain exposed to the elements.”

The letter also included a request for the Corps to provide regular updates on the status of the program to Louisiana’s Congressional Delegation, including regular reports of the number of households served on a parish-by-parish basis.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/21/higgins-will-vote-against-raising-debt-limit/,Higgins Will Vote Against Raising the Debt Limit,2021-09-21,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“Speaker Pelosi’s decision to pair hurricane recovery funds with a socialist agenda partisan effort to suspend the debt limit, in order to pave the way for Biden’s $3.5 trillion monstrosity bill, is unacceptable. This package in its current form will not pass the Senate and only further delays supplemental disaster assistance for South Louisiana. Our hurricane recovery needs should not be held hostage. Democrats are abusing their control of Congress to advance their reckless spending scheme. I support a clean bill that includes the disaster relief we’ve been demanding for a year. I will not be leveraged into supporting a multi-trillion dollar increase to America’s debt limit.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/17/higgins-calls-fema-expedite-hurricane-recovery-funds-cameron-parish/,Higgins Calls on FEMA to Expedite Hurricane Recovery Funds for Cameron Parish,2021-09-17,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to FEMA today calling on the agency to address lingering inspections, review, and approval of Public Assistance (PA) applications for Cameron Parish.

Cameron Parish has requested reimbursement for damages totaling $52,567,049.34. However, to date, FEMA has only conducted 20 site inspections and approved $1,210,295.87 in PA reimbursements.

“FEMA should quickly review and approve PA applications from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. While recovery in the region will take years, that process cannot start until sites are inspected and evaluated. Further delays to the start of this process will require serious oversight and investigation by Congress,” wrote Congressman Higgins. “I again urge you to address the lingering PA reimbursements and inspections for Cameron Parish. A year and several additional storms later, expediting access to existing resources should be FEMA’s primary objective for victims of the 2020 Hurricane Season.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/15/higgins-announces-35m-ul-lafayette-new-iberia-research-center/,"Higgins Announces $3.5M for UL Lafayette, New Iberia Research Center",2021-09-15,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“It’s encouraging that the federal government is investing in ULL’s New Iberia Research Center. Their work and research product are essential for the future of health care in South Louisiana and beyond. This grant will help ULL improve and continue its research efforts. My office has passionately supported ULL, and I shall continue to do so. However, this era of challenge and division in our anointed nation requires honest, respectful deliberation. It is my hope that ULL administration leaders will devote as much consideration for Americans’ Constitutional rights as they do for Americans’ health care, for without unwavering devotion to our Constitution, we could find ourselves a well inoculated, but equally oppressed society. Students at ULL will benefit from the medical research that this grant supports… but those same students are free Americans, and their Constitutional protections are sacrosanct.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/letlow-and-graves-call-helpful-fema-disaster-portal,Letlow and Graves Call for Helpful FEMA Disaster Portal,2021-09-13,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MONROE (September 10, 2021) - Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) and Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06) sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, asking her to address the functionality and efficiency of the agency’s online relief portal, disasterassistance.gov. With Louisiana undertaking a massive rebuilding effort in the wake of Hurricane Ida, Graves and Letlow made their request to echo numerous concerns raised by constituents and local leaders.

“While we are appreciative of the effort to modernize our means of delivering disaster assistance to Americans in need, this online application system must be more functional,” the letter states. “Although FEMA continues to assure us that they have sufficient technological infrastructure and personnel in place to handle the number of requests they are receiving and process them accurately, we remain concerned that FEMA’s current operations are not able to effectively assist survivors. We echo our constituents’ concerns that if FEMA allows these issues to persist, some disaster victims might miss the deadline to apply for Individual Assistance.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/letlow-leads-effort-get-delta-regional-authority-running-again,Letlow Leads Effort To Get The Delta Regional Authority Running Again,2021-09-10,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"MONROE(September 10, 2021) – Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) today led a group of 12 colleagues asking President Joe Biden to prioritize filling the Delta Regional Authority’s top leadership positions. Since the Administration took office in January, the DRA has been unable to distribute millions in grant funding with these key positions vacant. The Members sent a letter to the President, requesting the swift appointment of either a Federal Co-Chair or Alternate Federal Co-Chair.

“DRA stands ready to award approximately $33 million in total grant funding. These programs provide vital resources for physical and human infrastructure improvements across the eight state Delta region,” the letter states. “It is essential that these funds be allocated in a timely manner to ensure our communities can proceed with projects that provide for job creation to rebuild and strengthen communities, especially as we move past the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In addition to Congresswoman Letlow, signatories of the letter include; Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06), Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04), Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03), Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04), Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03), Congressman Jerry Carl (AL-01), Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01), Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08), Congressman James Comer (KY-01), Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15), and Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/07/higgins-issues-statement-supplemental-disaster-relief/,Higgins Issues Statement on Supplemental Disaster Relief,2021-09-07,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement after the White House budget office issued a formal request to Congress for supplemental disaster relief in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta as well as other natural disasters over the last 18 months.

Congressman Higgins has repeatedly called on the Biden administration to issue a formal request for supplemental disaster relief. A timeline of these communications and other hurricane recovery efforts is available here.

The White House’s request includes $2.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, $275 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program, $9 billion for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program, $100 million for Reclamation Projects to Address Western Drought, and $2.6 billion for Federal Highway Emergency Relief.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“I’m uplifted to see the White House recognize Southwest Louisiana’s long-term recovery needs through a formal request for supplemental disaster relief. We have worked for many months to highlight Louisiana’s recovery needs, and this is a major step toward delivering much-needed grant funding in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. This is in addition to the over $1.4 billion that has already been delivered for immediate response costs. Congress can now move forward on a supplemental package, and additional relief and access to direct grants for Louisiana will soon be on the way.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/02/higgins-announces-additional-75m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $75M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $75,610,420.13 for hurricane recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The grants include:

$4,370,009.48 to Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Delta.

$4,221,016.27 to Port of Iberia for road repairs in response to Hurricane Laura.

$3,492,719.02 to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura.

$2,188,504.02 to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura.

$48,001,937.00 to Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura.

$3,638,461.01 to the City of Lake Charles for management costs in response to Hurricane Laura.

$1,108,781.27 to Hamilton Christian Academy for temporary facilities in response to Hurricane Laura.

$8,588,992.06 to the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness for emergency protective measures in response to Hurricane Delta.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“A year after Hurricanes Laura and Delta, the federal government has delivered well over $1.4 billion in disaster relief. These latest reimbursements provide additional resources for the impacted parishes. My office continues to push for supplemental funding, ease of access to existing funds, and immediate access to direct grant monies. We aren’t going to stop until every Louisiana citizen is fully recovered.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/09/02/higgins-delegation-urge-biden-approve-emergency-and-long-term-assistance/,"Higgins, Delegation Urge Biden to Approve Emergency and Long-term Assistance in Response to Hurricane Ida, Laura, and Delta",2021-09-02,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and the entire Louisiana congressional delegation delivered a letter to President Biden today urging him to approve Louisiana’s request for emergency and long-term supplemental funding in response to Hurricane Ida, Laura, and Delta.

“The full extent of Louisiana’s damages have not yet been determined and will likely not be fully known until after immediate matters of public safety are addressed. Further, Hurricane Ida is not the only disaster to strike Louisiana in the past year,” wrote the Louisiana delegation. “In fact, a record breaking five named storms – Cristobal, Marco, Laura, Delta, and Zeta – hammered Louisiana within the past year resulting in dozens of lives lost and billions of dollars in damage. To date, communities across Southwest Louisiana such as Lake Charles, Lafayette, Leesville, and Alexandria, among others, still await desperately needed disaster funding from the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to address unmet financial needs.”

“As such, we are writing you now to alert you to the need for Congress to provide emergency supplemental appropriations to address Hurricane Ida and the storms from last year, as was done following Hurricane Katrina. Without substantial and robust emergency appropriations from Congress to critical unmet need accounts like the CDBG-DR program, Louisiana families will continue to languish as a result of these devastating storms,” continued the Louisiana delegation.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“My office continues to push for supplemental funding, ease of access to existing funds, and immediate access to direct grant monies. We aren’t going to stop until every Louisiana citizen is fully recovered.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/31/higgins-introduces-resolution-resignation-president-secretary-defense-and/,"Higgins Introduces Resolution for the Resignation of the President, Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs",2021-08-31,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) along with 25 GOP colleagues introduced three resolutions calling for the resignation of the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff over their failed Afghanistan withdrawal and abandonment of American citizens.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“America faces a great division coming into this era of unspeakable grief as we look upon the failure of our executive branch to execute a well-planned withdrawal of American forces, citizens, allies, and weaponry in Afghanistan. This administration has abandoned its oath to the American people, and it is the right thing to do for President Biden, Secretary Austin, and Chairman Milley to step down. If a sitting President resigns, the constitutional process of succession will immediately move forward as our Founding Fathers intended. I call upon the President to embrace this moment and resign.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/29/higgins-delegation-urge-biden-approve-disaster-declaration-response-hurricane/,"Higgins, Delegation Urge Biden to Approve Disaster Declaration in Response to Hurricane Ida",2021-08-29,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and the entire Louisiana congressional delegation delivered a letter to President Biden today urging him to approve Louisiana’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Ida.

“The storm brought with it life-threatening storm surges, devastating rainfall, and 150 mph sustained winds that has caused widespread damage. This all comes as the state continues to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” wrote the Louisiana delegation. “We ask for your swift consideration and approval of this major disaster declaration for the State of Louisiana so that we can begin the process of recovery.”

“Specifically, the Governor has requested Individual Assistance and Public Assistance Categories A (debris removal) and C-G (permanent work) for the following 25 parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana. We also ask that you grant the Governor’s request for statewide assistance,” continued the Louisiana delegation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://letlow.house.gov/ida,Find Resources to Help You Recover from Hurricane Ida,2021-08-28,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Need Shelter Information?

If you need to seek shelter outside of your home, click HERE to find the Red Cross' Louisiana shelter listings. This website is updated every 20 minutes with the latest information about available space.

Filing a Hurricane Related Claim

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will start allowing individuals and businesses to file claims as soon as the President has declared a federal emergency for areas impacted by Hurricane Ida. To find if your region has been approved for assistance, visit www.disasterassistance.gov. If you’re eligible, this link will also direct you to the online forms to apply for both FEMA and SBA assistance. If you are unable to access the internet, you can call FEMA’s help line at 1-800-621-3362 and the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.

You can also click HERE find a copy of FEMA’s “Help After a Disaster” brochure.

Click HERE to learn more about the SBA’s disaster assistance programs.

Additional FEMA Programs

FEMA also has additional programs available that are typically deployed after natural disasters. These assistance efforts include things such as Unemployment Assistance and Housing Support. To learn more about these programs, visit: www.fema.gov/assistance/individual

Recovery Resources from FEMA

FEMA also has free resources available online to help individuals impacted by Hurricane Ida recover and clean up after the storm.

For an overview of safety and clean up procedures, visit www.ready.gov/recovering-disaster

Additional clean up guidance can be found at www.ready.gov/hurricanes#after

For FEMA’s information on disaster related stress and caring for children in the wake of natural disasters, visit www.ready.gov/coping-disaster

Staying Safe During Cleanup Efforts

While cleaning up after the storm, ensuring health and safety of individuals is critical.

For guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health on staying safe while cleaning up after the Hurricane, click HERE.

COVID-19 remains a serious concern in Louisiana throughout the cleanup efforts. For guidance from the CDC on keeping yourself and others safe, click HERE.

Generator Safety

If you need to use a generator to provide power to your home or business, please ensure that all safety precautions are being followed. To learn more about the safety guidelines for generator usage, click HERE.

Blue Roof Program

Operation Blue Roof, a program administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is installing temporary fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover roofs damaged by Hurricane Ida. This is a free service to primary residential homes and permanently occupied rental properties in Tangipahoa Parish. To register call 888-ROOF-BLU (888)766-3258 or visit Blueroof.us

Filing With Your Insurance Company

As part of your cleanup efforts, you’ll need to file the necessary claims with your insurance company. For specific guidance from the Louisiana Department of Insurance on filing an insurance claim for Hurricane damage, click HERE. If you don’t have access to internet and need assistance, you can call LDI at 1-800-259-5300.

If you have questions about flood insurance, you can call the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Call Center at 1-800-621-3362.

Agricultural Assistance

With significant rain and wind impacting the state, agricultural producers can find relevant information about crop insurance from the USDA by clicking HERE. For answers to questions about crop insurance and other agriculture concerns, you are encouraged to contact the Farm Service Agency office in your parish. To find the contact information for your local FSA office, click HERE.

IRS Extends Tax Deadlines",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/27/higgins-again-calls-biden-support-supplemental-disaster-relief/,Higgins Again Calls on Biden to Support Supplemental Disaster Relief,2021-08-27,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura’s landfall, again called on President Biden to support Louisiana’s request for supplemental disaster relief.

“Today, August 27, 2021, marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Laura’s landfall in Southwest Louisiana. Hurricane Laura caused widespread devastation throughout Louisiana and was soon followed by three additional federally declared natural disasters,” wrote Congressman Higgins. “As we reach this somber milestone, repeated calls from Louisiana’s Governor, congressional delegation, and local elected officials for supplemental disaster relief have gone unanswered by your administration.”

“Once again, I ask you to issue a formal request to Congress for supplemental disaster relief and use your executive authority to streamline access to existing resources,” continued Congressman Higgins.

“My office has stressed the importance of this matter repeatedly, in direct communications with your office and publicly on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives,” wrote Congressman Higgins. “In the last year, we have seen Democratic leadership put forth trillions of dollars in new spending on every imaginable federal program. However, we have seen no effort from Democratic leadership to move forward on much-needed supplemental disaster funding. This discrepancy is baffling.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/27/higgins-delegation-urge-biden-approve-emergency-declaration-ahead-hurricane/,"Higgins, Delegation Urge Biden to Approve Emergency Declaration Ahead of Hurricane Ida",2021-08-27,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and the entire Louisiana congressional delegation delivered a letter to President Biden today urging him to approve Louisiana’s request for a federal emergency declaration ahead of Hurricane Ida.

“We write in support of the federal emergency declaration request submitted by Governor John Bel Edwards in preparation for Hurricane Ida,” wrote the Louisiana delegation. “In anticipation of Hurricane Ida making landfall as a Category 2 or 3 hurricane, Governor Edwards has requested emergency protective measures (Category B) and Direct Federal Assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.”

“Due to the ongoing recovery from hurricanes and storms over the last year and the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Louisiana has determined this incident is of such severity that supplementary federal assistance is necessary to protect its people and communities,” continued the Louisiana delegation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/26/higgins-calls-bidens-immediate-resignation/,Higgins Calls for Biden’s Immediate Resignation,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement following today’s terrorist attack on U.S. Armed Forces and civilians in Afghanistan.

“Biden’s Afghanistan disaster has been an abysmal failure of executive leadership. The horrors we’re witnessing were 100% avoidable. Joe Biden has proven himself unfit to serve as commander-in-chief and incapable of leading America. He should resign immediately.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/25/higgins-cosponsors-resolution-protect-louisiana-sugar-growers/,Higgins Cosponsors Resolution to Protect Louisiana Sugar Growers,2021-08-25,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) co-sponsored a zero-for-zero resolution, which would zero out foreign sugar subsidies and help protect U.S. and Louisiana sugar growers from marketplace distortions.

The resolution promotes a sound sugar policy protecting domestic producers against foreign abuses and ensuring that future agriculture trade deals are fair and free.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“We will continue to fight for America and Louisiana’s sugar producers. This is one of our most important agricultural commodities, and the industry produces $20 billion of domestic economic activity annually. Unchecked sugar subsidies in foreign countries threaten American industry and distort the global market. Our resolution advances policy to protect American sugar farmers and create a level playing field.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/25/higgins-issues-statement-reinstatement-trumps-remain-mexico-policy/,Higgins Issues Statement on Reinstatement of Trump’s Remain in Mexico Policy,2021-08-25,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), the top Republican on the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security, issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Biden administration’s attempt to end President Trump’s Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) also known as the Remain in Mexico policy. The policy requires asylum seekers at the southwest border to remain in Mexico while they await judicial hearings to determine their eligibility and status.

“This ruling is a win for border security. The Remain in Mexico policy is a critical tool for law enforcement and will help restore operational control at the southwest border. MPP ends the incentive of making fraudulent asylum claims and prevents migrants from disappearing into the U.S. without showing up for their court hearings. The current border crisis is the worst in our nation’s history. Far more needs to be done to secure the border. This judicial victory is a step in the right direction.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/24/higgins-gop-colleagues-working-protect-us-energy-ports/,"Higgins, GOP Colleagues Working to Protect U.S. Energy Ports",2021-08-24,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and nearly 40 Republican colleagues delivered a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) calling out the Biden administration’s plan to defund projects related to fossil fuels.

In the letter, Members of Congress outlined concerns with the Biden administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget Request, which included language directing USACE not to fund projects that support the production, consumption, or efficient movement of fossil fuels. This provision would likely jeopardize funding for maritime ports that move fossil fuel energy products, including energy ports in Louisiana like the Port of Lake Charles, Port of Iberia, and Port of Morgan City.

“These ‘key objectives’ in the budget request extend beyond establishing an agency priority; they purport to pick winners and losers by excluding an entire industry from congressional appropriations and federal resources,” wrote the lawmakers. “Since Congress specifically dedicates funds for ports that transport fossil fuel products, it undermines Congressional direction for the Executive Branch to unilaterally decide not to fund these items. Not only does the Administration’s statement about fossil fuels overstep its authority, but it also shortsightedly ignores the need for fossil fuels to create plastics, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other items Americans depend on.”

“Representatives from the Corps indicated that the language included in the budget estimate may be implemented through redirecting Corps funding and prioritization of work away from ports and navigation projects that support energy products and commodities. If accurate, these changes would devastate the regional ports and waterways and the economies that rely on them,” continued the lawmakers.

“American ports and waterways do not exclusively handle energy products; the other commodities and industries that utilize this infrastructure will be affected,” the lawmakers wrote. “The U.S. maritime infrastructure system acts as a critical link in the American economy consisting of harbors, ports, channels, locks, dams, and waterways that deliver $4.6 trillion worth of goods and supporting more than 23 million U.S. jobs. These actions could also drive up the cost of energy for consumers when prices are already at record high levels.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/20/higgins-announces-funding-lake-charles-regional-airport/,Higgins Announces Funding for Lake Charles Regional Airport,2021-08-20,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that Lake Charles Regional Airport will receive $2.25 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funding will be used to perform rehabilitation work on the runway.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“This investment will support continued and future growth at Lake Charles Regional Airport. My office has constantly advocated for hard infrastructure investments like this, which create local jobs and encourage economic growth.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/20/higgins-calls-biden-harris-resign-over-failed-afghanistan-withdrawal/,"Higgins Calls on Biden, Harris to Resign Over Failed Afghanistan Withdrawal",2021-08-20,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), in a recent interview with Newsmax TV, called on President Biden and Vice President Harris to resign over their botched handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Congressman Higgins also called their actions impeachable.

Key exchanges include:

Congressman Higgins: “These are very challenging conditions for America, no doubt. In a matter of just the course of a couple of weeks, our executive leadership out of the Biden White House has brought American foreign policy to the precipice of permanent ruin regarding our reputation and our recognition as a world leader across the globe. It’s beyond weak. It was treasonous leadership, abhorrent, impeachable. President Biden should resign over what’s happening in Afghanistan right now.”

Carl Higbie: “Yeah, it is crazy. Look you saw Kamala Harris bragged about being the last person (in the room). I would not have said that publicly. I mean…”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/18/higgins-announces-additional-15m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $15M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-08-18,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $15,151,259.99 for hurricane recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The grants include:

$1,880,724.10 to Vermilion Parish for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$5,514,565.30 to Calcasieu Parish School Board for emergency protective measures, including temporary roof coverings, in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$5,760,030.31 to Calcasieu Parish School Board for emergency protective measures, including temporary roof repairs, in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$1,995,940.28 to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety (State Police) for emergency protective measures as a result of Hurricane Delta. The reimbursement is made at a 75% federal cost-share.

Last week, Congressman Higgins called on FEMA to expedite the review and approval of Calcasieu Parish School Board’s Public Assistance (PA) applications. Read that letter here.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“An efficient federal assistance approval process and the delivery of these reimbursements are critical for Southwest Louisiana’s recovery efforts. We continue to push FEMA to streamline access to existing funding and to expedite the processing of Public Assistance applications for last year’s hurricanes.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/18/higgins-calls-louisiana-expand-monoclonal-antibody-access/,Higgins Calls on Louisiana to Expand Monoclonal Antibody Access,2021-08-18,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter today to Governor John Bel Edwards calling on the State to expand the availability of Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) treatments to all medical facilities across Louisiana that are capable of administering it.

“To make mAb treatments more widely accessible, especially within our rural communities, I ask that you direct the Louisiana Department of Health to actively and aggressively promote the availability of this treatment to all medical facilities across the state, much like the State of Florida has done,” wrote Congressman Higgins. “COVID-19 and Delta have overwhelmed many of Louisiana’s hospital systems, and expanding beyond hospital distribution of mAb supplies to smaller but capable facilities can only help to lessen this burden. This also allows for more local access to these treatments, which will save lives in more rural areas where hospital access is limited.”

“These therapeutics have life-saving abilities, and it is our duty as elected officials to ensure that they are rapidly and efficiently deployed where needed. I look forward to working with you on this mission,” continued Congressman Higgins.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/17/higgins-issues-statement-afghanistan/,Higgins Issues Statement on Afghanistan,2021-08-17,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement regarding the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.

“It’s insane what Biden and his handlers are doing with Afghanistan. Shockingly abhorrent. America’s adversaries clearly recognize the weakness of this administration. I have long supported bringing our troops home, but those decisions should have been made reflective of conditions on the ground, not arbitrary dates on a calendar, and the Taliban should have suffered immediate response in no uncertain terms, actual cost, should they vary from the conditions-based withdrawal agreement that was negotiated successfully last year. That’s the plan President Trump had in place. Joe Biden abandoned it. Untold American treasure and American lives have been invested in Afghanistan over the last two decades. Those efforts have been erased in a matter of days because of the Biden administration’s failed foreign policy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/12/higgins-encourages-local-officials-pursue-disaster-mitigation-grants-asks/,"Higgins Encourages Local Officials to Pursue Disaster Mitigation Grants, Asks Biden to Prioritize Louisiana Applicants",2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter today to mayors, parish presidents, and police juries across Louisiana’s 3rd District informing of federal grant opportunities to help with disaster mitigation and community resiliency.

The letter follows FEMA’s announcement of $1.16 billion for the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant programs.

“Though these resources have been made available, it is incumbent upon state and local officials to apply for these grants,” wrote Congressman Higgins. “If you have not already, I urge you to pursue these resources aggressively.”

“We stand ready to assist you in pushing through any grant, reimbursement, or funding application that is pending at the federal level,” Congressman Higgins continued. “Since January 2017, my office has directly, officially supported many hundreds of federal funding applications.”

In a separate letter this week, Congressman Higgins again asked President Biden to issue a formal request for supplemental disaster assistance and called on the administration to prioritize grant applications for areas affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

“My office is proactively notifying afflicted parishes and local governments of mitigation grant program opportunities to strengthen and increase the resiliency of disaster-prone communities,” Congressman Higgins wrote to President Biden. “Areas affected by Hurricanes Laura and Delta that apply for these funding opportunities should be prioritized by your administration for expedited review and approval.”

The full letter to President Biden is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/11/higgins-calls-fema-expedite-assistance-calcasieu-parish-schools/,Higgins Calls on FEMA to Expedite Assistance for Calcasieu Parish Schools,2021-08-11,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter calling on FEMA to expedite the review and approval of Calcasieu Parish School Board’s (CPSB) Public Assistance (PA) applications in response to damages from Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

“Without approval of this assistance, CPSB will be unable to continue repairing their damaged facilities due to financial constraints,” wrote Congressman Higgins.

The letter notes specific PA applications that will help the Calcasieu Parish School Board cover the costs of temporary roofing, remediation measures, and damaged inventory items.

“With the start of a new school year in less than a week, CPSB desperately needs federal assistance to recover from a devastating 2020 hurricane season. Therefore, I respectfully request that FEMA quickly review and approve the submitted applications outlined above,” continued Congressman Higgins. “Our citizens are resilient and strong, yet we are struggling to recover from a brutal year of natural disasters. An efficient federal assistance approval process is critical for Southwest Louisiana.”

The full text of the letter is available below or as a pdf here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/09/higgins-urges-dod-halt-covid-vaccine-mandate-us-armed-forces/,Higgins Urges DOD to Halt COVID Vaccine Mandate for U.S. Armed Forces,2021-08-09,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin today urging him not to institute COVID vaccine mandates for active-duty military personnel in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“As you know, the current vaccines being utilized in the U.S. and internationally lack full Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval, with their use only being authorized under an Emergency Use Authorization,” wrote Congressman Higgins. “Current federal law prohibits mandatory vaccinations for military personnel without full FDA approval.”

“Protecting Constitutional freedoms and preventing oppression of American rights is our glorious duty. Be advised… any failure of administration officials to follow federal law will warrant a full Congressional response,” Congressman Higgins continued. “Further, the current reported plan to force vaccinations on military personnel prior to full FDA approval will rightfully bring forth a strong Article III challenge on many fronts. This is still America, good Sir. Freedom matters.”

The full text of the letter is available below or as a pdf here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/08/06/higgins-commends-8m-investment-restart-dequincy-sawmill/,Higgins Commends $8M Investment to Restart DeQuincy Sawmill,2021-08-06,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"DEQUINCY, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) commended Interfor Corporation’s announcement of plans to invest up to $8 million to restart the Georgia Pacific sawmill near DeQuincy. The project is expected to create 170 direct jobs and 505 indirect jobs in Southwest Louisiana.

Read more about the announcement here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Interfor’s investment to restart this sawmill is welcome news. This project will create new jobs and economic opportunities for South Louisiana. It will also provide Louisiana’s lumber industry with a much-needed boost in production. We support private investments like this, which contribute greatly to Louisiana’s economy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/30/higgins-commends-new-120000-ton-us-rice-tender-iraq/,"Higgins Commends New 120,000-Ton U.S. Rice Tender with Iraq",2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) commended the announcement of a new 120,000-ton U.S. rice tender with Iraq, the first in nearly two years.

In March, Congressman Higgins and Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR) led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Tueller, urging him to work with Iraq’s Minister of Trade to announce and execute a U.S.-specific rice tender under the terms of the U.S.-Iraq Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Read that letter here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Iraq has been a top market for U.S. rice in the past, and we’re glad to see our trade partnership continue. This new tender is a major win for Louisiana’s rice industry and businesses up and down the supply chain. Much of those 120,000 tons will be sourced from Louisiana farmers and shipped through the Port of Lake Charles. This is great news and will provide a much-needed economic boost for South Louisiana.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/30/higgins-introduces-bill-protecting-vaccine-freedom/,Higgins Introduces Bill Protecting Vaccine Freedom,2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced today H.R. 4884, the Employee Rights and Freedoms Act, which would make it illegal for any employer to mandate an employee undertake any medical procedure, including a vaccine.

Read the bill here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Every American who wants a vaccine should receive it. However, the decision to get vaccinated or not is a personal and private medical decision. This bill is about individual rights. I support individual freedoms, and I certainly stand against oppression. Neither government nor private employers have the right to mandate medical procedures. We’re drawing the line here. We, the People, will not be herded like sheep into medical procedures against our will.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/29/higgins-gop-colleagues-introduce-bill-secure-americas-borders/,"Higgins, GOP Colleagues Introduce Bill to Secure America’s Borders",2021-07-29,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Border Subcommittee, joined other Republican colleagues today to introduce the Border Security for America Act of 2021. The bill comes in response to the ongoing and worsening crisis at our southwest border.

In FY 2021, southwest border encounters reached the highest level in 21 years and the numbers continue to rise. Illegal crossings along the southwest border have reached over 1.1 million this year – up 362% from the same time frame last year. That number also fails to reflect the rising number of getaways who evade Customs & Border Protection (CBP) agents.

The Border Security for America Act of 2021 would:

Require the Secretary of Homeland Security to resume construction on the border wall system immediately.

Direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to deploy practical and effective technology to support CBP and Border Patrol operations.

Require the CBP Commissioner to hire and train additional CBP officers and agents to maintain an active-duty presence at all U.S. ports of entry.

Require increasing the number of officers for tunnel detection and remediation, agricultural specialists, K-9 units, and supporting officers.

Read the bill here.

Download a fact sheet on the bill here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/22/higgins-demands-answers-dhs-ice-migrant-drop-offs-louisiana/,"Higgins Demands Answers from DHS, ICE on Migrant Drop Offs in Louisiana",2021-07-22,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), the lead Republican on the House Homeland Security Border Subcommittee, delivered a letter today to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demanding answers on reports that illegal immigrants are being dropped in communities across Louisiana. Congressman Higgins also called for an immediate suspension of the resettlement operation.

“I write today to request the immediate termination of ICE’s ‘temporary support plan’ to resettle migrants across the country, which has led to migrants being dropped at bus stops and airports in Louisiana,”wrote Congressman Higgins. “This operation lacks transparency, is a complete evasion of responsibility, and compromises the safety of both migrants and Louisianans.”

“If this Administration truly cares about the well-being of migrants, the first step is to stop incentivizing lawlessness and dropping migrants off at bus stops and airports with no money or resources to sustain themselves. This is a recipe for disaster,”Congressman Higgins continued.

In the letter, Congressman Higgins requested answers to the following questions:

What is the process for notifying state and local governments about the arrival of busloads of migrants being dropped into their communities?

What specific steps is ICE taking to ensure there are no migrants with criminal records being released into our communities, making the area less safe?

How is ICE tracing migrants to make sure they return for court proceedings?

What instructions and details are migrants given for their arrival in US cities, where to go, what to do, etc.?

Is DHS depending on state and local governments to provide for the needs of bussed migrants?

Are migrants being tested for COVID-19 or COVID-19 antibodies prior to being transported across the United States?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/21/entire-louisiana-delegation-supports-supplemental-disaster-relief-southwest/,Entire Louisiana Delegation Supports Supplemental Disaster Relief for Southwest Louisiana,2021-07-21,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) led a Louisiana congressional delegation letter today to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) urging them to prioritize Louisiana’s request for supplemental disaster relief in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

“Today marks 328 days since the disaster, and as we approach the one-year anniversary of these devastating storms, we are hopeful that OMB will acknowledge the extreme need for supplemental disaster relief and issue a formal request,”wrote the Louisiana delegation.“We respectfully urge you to expedite Louisiana’s request for supplemental disaster relief. The federal government must provide the thousands of severely impacted Americans in Southwest Louisiana with a real recovery. Our offices look forward to working with you to accomplish this mission.”

The full letter is available here.

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Reps. Steve Scalise (R-LA), Garret Graves (R-LA), Mike Johnson (R-LA), Julia Letlow (R-LA), and Troy Carter (D-LA) all signed the letter.

“It’s been nearly one year since Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated Southwest Louisiana, and our region continues to face extreme recovery needs. We are beyond the time for consideration. Southwest Louisiana needs help now. The entire Louisiana congressional delegation is united on this effort, but we need executive branch support to advance long-term recovery resources,”said Congressman Higgins.

“It’s been over a year and our constituents, especially those in Lake Charles, are still suffering from the storms of 2020. Relief has taken too long. We’re working together as our congressional delegation to push the administration to support disaster relief for Southwest Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy.

“For the past year and a half, weather disasters in Louisiana have painted a fantastic impression of hell. Since the Senate blocked my $1.1 billion disaster relief bill last week, it’s clearer than ever that the Biden administration must prioritize getting relief to southwest Louisiana by sending a formal request to Congress. Louisianians are tough, but they’re tired, and they need help,” said Senator Kennedy.

“Hurricanes Laura and Delta brought widespread devastation to Southwest Louisiana last fall, and thousands of residents are still picking up the pieces nearly one year later. As we head into the more active months of hurricane season, it’s imperative that additional supplemental disaster relief be delivered to Southwest Louisiana quickly so our communities can get back on their feet and make real progress toward a full recovery,”said Whip Scalise.

“It’s been almost a year since Hurricanes Laura and Delta made landfall in Southwest Louisiana. To watch hundreds of billions of dollars in taxpayer funds go toward paying people to not work, bailing out private pensions, funding a bridge in New York, building a tunnel in California, or targeting EPA grants for environmental justice – and nothing for the 2020 hurricanes and natural disasters – is disgusting. To make matters worse, Congress rejected multiple amendments by our delegation to target disaster recovery funds for Louisiana and others impacted by the 2020 hurricanes. I appreciate the delegation coming together to push this long-overdue need for those impacted by multiple hurricanes last year. We look forward to working with the Biden Administration, and our state and local leaders to offer a hand up to those truly in need,”said Congressman Graves.

“As Louisiana braces for another hurricane season, many of our citizens who were devastated by last year’s historic storms are still recovering. With the first anniversary of Hurricanes Laura and Delta fast approaching, it is imperative that the Biden Administration issue a formal request for disaster relief to Congress, and I join my Louisiana colleagues in urging this action immediately,” said Congressman Johnson.

“After a devastating year that has brought hurricanes, floods and freezes, it is infuriating that the people of southwest Louisiana are still waiting on answers from the federal government. This assistance is crucial for people to be able to recover and rebuild and our delegation is united to ensure that the administration makes this a top priority,” said Congresswoman Letlow.

“We are in the middle of the 2021 hurricane season, yet our communities have not recovered from disasters that occurred less than a year ago. The people of South Louisiana need assistance to both mediate the uncertainty of another deadly hurricane, and to support the long-term recovery process. I am confident the Biden Administration will work with us to get resources to those in need. I stand ready with my colleagues in the Louisiana delegation to work together to garner much-needed disaster relief. While I don’t represent this area, when disaster strikes we are one Louisiana,” stated Congressman Carter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-julia-letlows-statement-ice-releases,Congresswoman Julia Letlow's Statement on ICE Releases,2021-07-21,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) released the following statement in response to reports of ICE detainees being released in Louisiana:

“I am deeply troubled by the numerous reports of immigration detainees being released at facilities both here in the Fifth District and across the state. I am outraged that neither Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Department of Homeland Security notified my office of these releases and neglected to inform other relevant federal, state and local officials. I join my fellow members of the Louisiana delegation in demanding a thorough and complete explanation of this situation and urge the Administration to stop these releases immediately.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/16/higgins-again-calls-president-biden-support-supplemental-disaster-relief/,Higgins Again Calls on President Biden to Support Supplemental Disaster Relief for Southwest Louisiana,2021-07-16,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered an official letter today to President Biden and Speaker Pelosi again calling for their support to advance supplemental disaster assistance for Southwest Louisiana in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

“While over $1.3 billion in federal assistance has been delivered to support immediate response costs, Southwest Louisiana continues to face extreme and long-term recovery needs that are best addressed with a supplemental disaster package,” wrote Congressman Higgins.“Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a formal request in January 2021 outlining specific recovery and mitigation needs. My office supports this request. We have stressed the importance of this matter repeatedly, in direct communications with your office and publicly on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. However, we have seen no effort from Democratic leadership to move forward with a supplemental disaster bill.”

“The Speaker’s office recently stated in a media interview that the Democratic Congress and the Biden Administration are going to ‘consider the need for supplemental disaster funding’ for Louisiana,”continued Congressman Higgins. “Respectfully, we are beyond the time for consideration. It’s been nearly a year since the devastation occurred.”

“As we approach the August work period, I respectfully urge you to allow a supplemental disaster relief plan to move forward. We must provide the thousands of severely impacted Americans in Southwest Louisiana with a proper federal response. I look forward to working with you to accomplish this mission,”Congressman Higgins concluded.

Read the full letter below or as a pdf here.

A timeline of Congressman Higgins’ actions on hurricane recovery is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/15/higgins-secures-funding-university-avenue-project-house-transportation-and-hud/,Higgins Secures Funding for University Avenue Project in House Transportation and HUD Bill,2021-07-15,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) introduced and passed legislation that includes his request for the University Avenue Corridor project in Lafayette.

If enacted, the bill would provide $5 million to the Department of Transportation’s local transportation priorities account for construction on the University Avenue Corridor project.

“It’s good to see my funding request for the University Avenue Gateway corridor project included in the House Transportation and Housing and Urban Development bill,”said Congressman Higgins.“Improvements to the University Avenue corridor will upgrade existing infrastructure and deliver new economic development opportunities for the area. This has been a top priority for Lafayette leaders, and our office has worked closely with them to advance this project at the federal level.”

Earlier this week, Congressman Higgins announced that the House Energy and Water spending bill included his requests for the Southwest Coastal Louisiana hurricane protection project and the Port of Iberia. Read more about that announcement here. Congressman Higgins also secured funding in a House-passed surface transportation bill for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge and the I-49 Lafayette Connector earlier this month. Read more about that announcement here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/13/higgins-secures-funding-louisiana-projects-house-energy-water-bill/,Higgins Secures Funding for Louisiana Projects in House Energy & Water Bill,2021-07-13,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies introduced and passed legislation that includes his funding requests for the Southwest Coastal Louisiana hurricane protection project and the Port of Iberia.

If enacted, the bill would provide:

$12.7 million to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ construction account for the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Hurricane Protection project. Funding would be used to perform work on hurricane and storm surge mitigation endeavors in Calcasieu, Cameron, and Vermilion parishes.

$1.2 million to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ investigations account for the Port of Iberia. Funding would be used to advance the Acadiana to Gulf of Mexico Access Channel (AGMAC) project, which will ultimately open the Port of Iberia to heavier projects that require greater draft, creating jobs and new economic opportunities in the region.

“It’s good that my funding requests for the Southwest Coastal Louisiana hurricane protection project and the Port of Iberia are included in the House Energy and Water spending bill. A tremendous amount of work went into our effort. Both of these projects are critical for South Louisiana,” said Congressman Higgins. “We’re going to continue working within the Congressional appropriations process to deliver wins for Louisiana.”

To see all Community Project Funding items in the House Energy & Water spending bill, click here.

Earlier this month, Congressman Higgins also announced that he had secured funding in a House-passed surface transportation bill for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge and the I-49 Lafayette Connector. Read more about the announcement here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-julia-letlows-statement-passing-former-gov-edwin-edwards,Congresswoman Julia Letlow's Statement on the Passing of Former Gov. Edwin Edwards,2021-07-12,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) released the following statement upon the death of former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards:

“I want to express my condolences to the family of Gov. Edwin Edwards and his countless friends across Louisiana. He lived a long and remarkable life that took him from rural Avoyelles Parish to the Governor’s Mansion and left a lasting impact on our state. Like many, I will remember him as a true Louisiana original for bringing his own unique style to our politics and embodying our state’s joie de vivre.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/09/higgins-announces-additional-567m-hurricane-laura-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $56.7M for Hurricane Laura Recovery Efforts,2021-07-09,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $56,766,773.29 to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) for non-congregate sheltering in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement brings the federal cost-share to 90% for the project.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing funds to the sub-recipient.

At its peak, the Louisiana non-congregate shelter program for Hurricane Laura sheltered 21,510 evacuees in 8,115 hotel rooms.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“The State’s sheltering program was quite extensive in response to Hurricane Laura. Although I disagreed strongly and vocally with the Governor’s decision to forbid traditional community shelters as Laura approached, the State did dedicate a tremendous amount of treasure to the sheltering plan that the Governor ultimately enacted. This reimbursement helps cover those costs and provides additional support for the State. We will continue working with our federal partners to prioritize Louisiana’s applications for public assistance and advocate for supplemental disaster relief.”

A timeline of Congressman Higgins’ actions on hurricane and flood recovery efforts is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/07/higgins-calls-state-department-help-secure-rice-shipments-haiti/,Higgins Calls on State Department to Help Secure Rice Shipments in Haiti,2021-07-07,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered an official letter today to the U.S. State Department’s Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor calling for increased assistance in securing U.S. rice and other food shipments in Haiti. The request follows growing gang-related violence, unrest, and the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.

“Haiti is the top market for U.S.-grown milled rice and has been a loyal and growing market for many years, and the people of Haiti have a strong demand for our product. In recent years, we have shipped about 450,000 metric tons of rice valued at more than $200 million to Haiti annually,” Congressman Higgins wrote. “Unfortunately, the unrest has made unloading rice shipments in Haiti difficult and dangerous. Because of the value of rice as a staple food in Haiti, shipments are prioritized as targets by local gangs and even hired, armed security is unable to prevent theft. These armed robberies often result in the shipment not being delivered to its intended destination.”

“While the continued theft of U.S. rice shipments causes export market and safety concerns, I am worried that this will further increase food insecurity in Haiti. As you and your staff throughout the Department know, food insecurity is the number one driver of conflict and violence,”Congressman Higgins continued. “I ask your help in working with the United Nations to intervene in Haiti and establish peace, or at the very least, better secure the delivery of all critical food inland to the people of Haiti.”

The full letter is available below or as a pdf here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/07/01/higgins-secures-funding-i-10-bridge-i-49-connector-house-surface/,"Higgins Secures Funding for I-10 Bridge, I-49 Connector in House Surface Transportation Bill",2021-07-01,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the House-passed surface transportation bill includes his member-designated project funding requests for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge and the I-49 Lafayette Connector.

Under the current legislative text, each project would receive $10 million. This would be the first direct federal funding for either project.

See the included Louisiana projects here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“While I have significant concerns about the overall content and Green New Deal mandates in this bill, the inclusion of $20 million for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge and the I-49 Lafayette Connector is a win. These initial federal funds will help move both projects toward construction and would be the first direct federal investment in either project. My office will continue to prioritize South Louisiana’s infrastructure and economic development needs, using every available legislative tool. We’re working to move these projects forward while also standing for our core principles.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/30/higgins-questions-fema-administrator-status-disaster-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Questions FEMA Administrator on Status of Disaster Recovery Efforts,2021-06-30,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) questioned FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on the status of hurricane recovery efforts during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing this week. Congressman Higgins also asked Administrator Criswell to amplify Louisiana’s request for supplemental disaster relief with President Biden.

A timeline of Congressman Higgins’ actions on hurricane and flood recovery efforts is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-letlow-announces-funding-monroe-alexandria-airports,"Congresswoman Letlow Announces Funding for Monroe, Alexandria Airports",2021-06-29,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) today announced more than $11 million in federal funding for improvements to both the Monroe and Alexandria airports. These grants were awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

“I appreciate the FAA and my colleagues in Congress prioritizing these important investments for the Fifth District,” Congresswoman Letlow said. “Our airports in Monroe and Alexandria are key transportation hubs and these projects will ensure that we can keep people and commerce moving throughout our region.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/24/higgins-gop-colleagues-call-action-border-crisis-affirm-states-rights-protect/,"Higgins, GOP Colleagues Call for Action on Border Crisis, Affirm States’ Rights to Protect Citizens",2021-06-24,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) joined Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and other Republican colleagues in a press conference to address the Biden border crisis and affirm states’ rights to protect their citizens from the cartel-facilitated border invasion.

A transcript of Congressman Higgins’ remarks and a video of his speech are available below.

The full press conference is available here.

Congressman Higgins’ Remarks:

“Americans have fences and walls around our property, not because we don’t want neighbors to visit, folks to knock on the door, but because we want them to come through the gate.

“All of us here support LEGAL immigration. But America faces over 1 million ILLEGAL crossings this year. We are trending for 2 million crossings. We cannot allow that to happen. This rips at the very fabric of what America is.

“We must maintain our sovereignty. If the federal government… which is responsible for maintaining that sovereignty by protecting and securing our border… fails to perform, then the mission falls on the sovereign states.

“I call upon governors across America, representing every sovereign state, to contact your border states brothers and sisters. Speak to those governors and offer to share your assets, your national guards, your law enforcement skills.

“We must, as a nation, stand up and secure our southern border. We will not let our Nation be torn apart. Thank you all for being here.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/24/higgins-reintroduces-bill-help-cbp-address-staffing-needs/,Higgins Reintroduces Bill to Help CBP Address Staffing Needs,2021-06-24,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) reintroduced the CBP Workload Staffing Model Act, to help Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determine its staffing needs. This bill would require CBP to develop a comprehensive staffing model that addresses hiring and retention challenges.

The CBP Workload Staffing Model Act:

Directs the CBP commissioner to develop a workload staffing model for Border Patrol and Air & Marine Operations;

Adds implementation of workload staffing models for Border Patrol, Air & Marine Operations, and Office of Field Operations to the CBP commissioner’s duties to ensure they are prioritized; and

Includes the development of standard operating procedures for a workforce tracking system for Border Patrol, Air & Marine Operations, and Office of Field Operations to the CBP commissioner’s duties to ensure they are prioritized.

Find the bill text here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“We’re dealing with record-high illegal crossings at our southern border. Our Customs and Border Protection agents are working overtime to combat the crisis Biden has created. It is more important than ever that our border and ports of entry are fully staffed with qualified personnel to keep our nation safe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/23/higgins-introduces-legislation-protect-louisianans-insurance-fraud-after/,Higgins Introduces Legislation to Protect Louisianans from Insurance Fraud after Flooding,2021-06-23,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced today the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Consultant Accountability Act of 2021 to protect Louisiana homeowners from bad-faith actors who mishandle claims to lower insurance reimbursements following a disaster. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) is leading companion legislation in the United States Senate.

The bill would provide greater authority to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fire consultants, contractors, law firms, engineering firms, and other third parties involved in NFIP contracts if they intentionally mishandle claims to lower insurance reimbursements following a disaster. Currently, FEMA can only fire entities with a criminal conviction.

Text of the bill is available here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Recovering from a natural disaster is difficult enough without having to battle for a fair insurance payment. Our legislation helps protect Louisiana families and holds bad-faith actors accountable. These are needed reforms. I want to thank Senator Kennedy for leading this effort in the Senate, and I’m proud to join him in fighting for Louisiana.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/23/higgins-questions-coast-guard-admiral-schultz-seacor-power-incident/,Higgins Questions Coast Guard Admiral Schultz on SEACOR Power Incident,2021-06-23,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) questioned U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Admiral Karl Schultz today during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing and requested further investigatory actions concerning the SEACOR Power tragedy.

Congressman Higgins has received many in-depth briefings beginning from the first hours of the SEACOR tragedy and has personally scouted the incident site by water and air. His official case file regarding the SEACOR incident has grown very thick. Today, although the Democrat majority intended the hearing to focus on diversity and gender identity within the Coast Guard, Congressman Higgins used the opportunity to interview USCG Admiral Schultz about the SEACOR incident.

Key exchanges include:

Congressman Higgins: “One concern of many of my constituents in the State of Louisiana that has not been addressed by this committee or any other committee in the House of Representatives is the SEACOR incident that occurred on April 13th of this year. During this event, the Coast Guard carried out search and rescue operations after a severe weather event caused a 129-foot commercial lift boat owned by SEACOR Marine to capsize 8 miles off the coast of Louisiana. This incident resulted in 6 confirmed deaths with 7 crew members still unaccounted for, lost at sea.”

Congressman Higgins: “We must address legitimate questions regarding the Coast Guard’s vessel response plans and concerns of recovery capabilities as well as the frequency and timeliness of updates for the crew members’ families in the event of an incident. I’m not interested in blame. I’m interested in what we can do as a nation to promote marine safety and emergency response by federal assets like the Coast Guard.“

…

Congressman Higgins: “Admiral Schultz, God bless you, sir. I know you are here today to discuss a specific topic so I will not put you on the spot regarding SEACOR, and I’ll only leave you with one request. Can you commit today to lead a briefing for me, for interested members of this committee, and the Louisiana delegation regarding lessons learned from the SEACOR Power tragedy and how the Coast Guard and Congress could work together to ensure the likelihood of such tragedy is reduced in the future? Can you make that commitment to me today, good sir?”

Admiral Schultz: “Congressman Higgins, good morning sir. I echo your sentiments about the tragic confirmed loss of 6 and still 7 missing. SEACOR Power was a very difficult, complex case. You have my commitment, sir, for a briefing. Absolutely. We are working with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding investigatory occurrences for that situation. We need to understand what transpired. We are working in a unified command environment right now as they try to recover and right that vessel. That will factor into our understanding of exactly what transpired and how we learn from that. First and foremost, as the nation’s lead federal agency for maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship, we absolutely have to understand that, and we have to preclude that from happening again. Sir, with respect to the families, we worked very close with NTSB in terms of, you know, kind of timing of their arrival and for not losing sight of the fact that there were families involved with missing loved ones, and they still have unaccounted for missing loved ones.

…",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/17/higgins-announces-275m-construct-mcneese-lng-center-excellence/,Higgins Announces $2.75M to Construct McNeese LNG Center of Excellence,2021-06-17,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved a $2.75 million grant for McNeese State University Foundation to construct an LNG Center of Excellence. The funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The project will support the local and national liquified natural gas (LNG) industry and is expected to create 112 jobs and generate $6.3 billion in private investment. According to the proposal, the McNeese LNG Center of Excellence will provide classroom instruction as well as industrial grade facilities where both students and LNG employees can operate process equipment in a safe, controlled environment. Read more about the project here.

Congressman Higgins delivered a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce and EDA last fall to urge support for the project. Read that letter here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“Southwest Louisiana is the epicenter of the American LNG industry. The partnership between McNeese State University and local industry is critical for our region. The McNeese LNG Center of Excellence will deliver greater support for the local LNG industry through workforce development, specialized training, and applied research. This is a welcome investment that will help create good-paying jobs and increase private investment.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/16/higgins-announces-additional-415m-hurricane-recovery-efforts/,Higgins Announces Additional $41.5M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts,2021-06-16,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA is awarding an additional $41,523,929.59 for Hurricane Laura recovery efforts in South Louisiana.

The grants include:

$27,104,090.24 to the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness for emergency protective measures. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$7,413,813.43 to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety (State Police) for emergency protective measures. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$4,469,235.68 to the Jefferson Davis Parish Police Jury for debris removal operations. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

$1,511,221.47 to the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals for management costs. The reimbursement is made at a 100% federal cost-share.

$1,025,568.77 to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections for emergency protective measures. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

All funding will be delivered to the State of Louisiana. The state is responsible for disbursing the funds to each sub-recipient.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“We continue to work with our federal partners to ensure applications for public assistance are being processed in a timely manner. This latest round of reimbursements brings the total amount of federal disaster relief to over $1.3 billion in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. My office continues to push for supplemental, long-term recovery resources at the federal level. We will not stop fighting for Southwest Louisiana.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/16/higgins-issues-statement-after-federal-court-blocks-biden-administrations-ban/,Higgins Issues Statement After Federal Court Blocks Biden Administration’s Ban on Oil and Gas Leasing,2021-06-16,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“Jeff Landry has delivered a win for the entire country. He’s a man we can count on to get the job done. I’m honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with him, fighting for Louisiana.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/09/higgins-announces-additional-46m-hurricane-recovery-efforts-lake-charles/,Higgins Announces Additional $46M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts in Lake Charles,2021-06-09,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA will award $46,498,869.63 to the City of Lake Charles for debris removal operations in response to Hurricane Laura. The reimbursement is made at a 90% federal cost-share.

To date, over $1.29 billion in disaster relief has been delivered in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/06/04/higgins-encourages-local-officials-fully-utilize-disaster-mitigation-grant/,Higgins Encourages Local Officials to Fully Utilize Disaster Mitigation Grant Programs,2021-06-04,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to mayors, parish presidents, and police juries across Louisiana’s 3rd District informing of federal grant opportunities that are available to address flood and disaster mitigation.

“As South Louisiana continues to recover from a year of devastating natural disasters, I am writing to inform you of federal grant opportunities that can help our communities rebuild,”wrote Congressman Higgins.“We must work together to address long-standing drainage, water management, and flood mitigation needs. While my office continues to push for supplemental disaster assistance at the federal level, many federal grant programs are already approved and available.”

The letter specifically mentions FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Flood Mitigation Assistance, Building Resilient Infrastructure & Communities, and disaster-specific Public Assistance programs.

“Though these resources have been made available, it is incumbent upon state and local officials to apply for these grants. If you have not already, I urge you to aggressively pursue these resources,” wrote Congressman Higgins.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-letlow-officially-open-district-offices,Congresswoman Letlow to Officially Open District Offices,2021-06-03,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) will have an open house and an official ribbon cutting for the 5th Congressional District Offices in Monroe, Alexandria and Amite on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Constituents needing assistance in dealing with different federal programs and agencies can schedule an appointment with district office staff. Constituents can also request assistance through Congresswoman Letlow’s website at http://letlow.house.gov.

The schedule for the ribbon cuttings and openings:

Monday, June 7

10 a.m.

Monroe Office, 1900 N. 18th St., 7th floor conference room

3 p.m.

Alexandria Office, 4124 Jackson Street

Tuesday, June 8",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/29/higgins-urges-biden-approve-louisianas-request-major-disaster-declaration/,Higgins Urges Biden to Approve Louisiana’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration,2021-05-29,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter today to President Joe Biden, urging the approval of Louisiana’s request for a major disaster declaration in response to recent severe weather and flooding. Congressman Higgins also again asked President Biden to issue a request to Congress for supplemental disaster assistance in response to last year’s hurricanes.

“I urge you to quickly make a major disaster declaration for the State of Louisiana in the wake of a recent severe rain event. The damage caused by this storm will have long-lasting effects on the people of Louisiana who were already struggling from the aftermath of Hurricanes Laura, Delta, Zeta, and the 2021 Winter Weather event,” Congressman Higgins wrote. “As you know, on May 17, 2021, a heavy and prolonged rainfall event occurred in portions of Louisiana. Over the course of four days, the storm caused significant flooding that resulted in the loss of several lives and immense property damage.”

The letter continues, “Further, I again ask that you expedite a request to Congress for a disaster supplemental to provide the region with specific funding for CDBG Disaster Recovery Grants, as well as funding for additional mitigation efforts. Louisiana is desperate for these additional federal resources after a horrific 2020 hurricane season devastated portions of the state. It is beyond time to act.”

Read the full letter below or as a pdf here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/28/higgins-announces-50m-vermilion-river-dredging/,Higgins Announces $50M for Vermilion River Dredging,2021-05-28,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers FY 22 Civil Works Budget includes $50 million for spot dredging of the Vermilion River. The announcement of federal funding for this project follows the Lafayette City Council’s recent approval of $5 million in local funding to remove obstructions from the Vermilion River.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“The inclusion of Vermilion River dredging funds in the Corps’ budget is a significant milestone. Since coming to Congress, we have listened very carefully to stakeholders in both Lafayette and Vermilion parishes on this issue. We sought to move forward based on objective truth and grounded in extensive scientific modeling. The H&H analysis showed that dredging the Vermilion River would not have a major impact on water flow, but it would allow the river to retain more water.

“Using that data, we’ve worked with the Corps’ to prioritize federal investments for spot dredging. Deepening the river at key points will provide greater water retention capacity for the region and help mitigate flood threats. This funding, if fully realized in the Corps’ Work Plan, would be a major win. My office will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to provide water management solutions for South Louisiana.”

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory added:

“Thank you to Congressman Higgins and his staff for their hard work. Thank you to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Army Corps of Engineers, and everybody that participated in the objective analysis that led to this result. I know a lot of science, preliminary engineering, models, costs, and the environment were considered in this decision. We want to be good neighbors to our friends in Vermilion Parish and continue to work together with them in order to find ways to improve drainage of our parishes and safely increase the capacity of the Vermilion River in order to achieve effective benefit without harming any of the surrounding parishes.”

Background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/26/higgins-announces-additional-34m-recovery-funding-calcasieu-parish/,Higgins Announces Additional $3.4M in Recovery Funding for Calcasieu Parish,2021-05-26,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"LAKE CHARLES, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that FEMA will award $3,472,704.27 to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury for Hurricane Laura recovery efforts. The grant will cover management costs related to the parish’s utilization of FEMA public assistance programs.

This grant brings the total amount of federal money provided to Louisiana for Hurricanes Laura and Delta disaster recovery to over $1.29 billion.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“These funds are part of well over $1 billion in federal disaster assistance that has been provided in response to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. My office will continue to push for additional long-term recovery resources at the federal level. Our recovery mission is ongoing.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-letlow-house-agriculture-republicans-introduce-broadband-rural,"Congresswoman Letlow, House Agriculture Republicans Introduce Broadband for Rural America Act",2021-05-21,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON -- Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) has joined with House Agriculture Republicans to introduce the Broadband for Rural America Act, one of several infrastructure proposals from House Republicans that bridge the digital divide for communities nationwide. The proposal from House Agriculture Republicans provides more than $7 billion in authorizations for USDA broadband connectivity programs.

“In this day and age, having a reliable and affordable internet connection is crucial to the success of our farmers, businesses and local schools, especially in rural America. The Broadband for Rural America Act will serve as a blueprint to connect communities across the nation and play an important role in bridging the broadband gap,” Letlow said. “This is a top priority that Congress should address on a bipartisan basis. Broadband access affects everyone, Republicans and Democrats alike.”

Letlow, a cosponsor of the bill, said that at least 350,000 households in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet as defined by the Federal Communications Commission, with most of those households living in the Fifth Congressional District.

Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee, said, “The one issue that unites rural members on both sides of the aisle is the need to address the digital divide. This critical infrastructure void has been exacerbated by the challenges faced by rural families and businesses during the pandemic.

“There are many broadband infrastructure plans, but the House GOP package puts a detailed plan on paper. This is also the only proposal that utilizes the expertise of USDA and focuses agencies across the government towards one common goal: connecting all Americans. Let’s put aside partisan differences, debate the merits of this legislation, and address this significant infrastructure need.”

The Broadband for Rural America Act:

Authorizes $3.7 billion per year for critical rural broadband programs, including the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, the Middle Mile Broadband Program, and the Innovative Broadband Advancement Program

Targets limited resources so assistance is focused on the most rural and least-connected residents, which are often the most expensive to connect

Promotes borrower accountability and protects taxpayers with new tools to ensure promised services are delivered to rural communities",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/20/higgins-urges-louisiana-citizens-report-flood-weather-related-damages/,"Higgins Urges Louisiana Citizens to Report Flood, Weather-Related Damages",2021-05-20,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) released a public service announcement today asking Louisiana citizens to report flood and other weather-related losses at DAMAGE.LA.GOV. This will help state and local officials as they prepare a formal disaster request for this week’s severe weather.

A transcript of the video is below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/19/higgins-pushes-additional-recovery-resources-house-floor/,Higgins Pushes for Additional Recovery Resources on House Floor,2021-05-19,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a speech today on the House floor calling for additional long-term hurricane recovery resources and urging the Biden administration to issue a supplemental disaster request to Congress. This follows the delivery of an official letter to President Biden earlier this week urging additional long-term recovery resources.

Congressman Higgins’ remarks as delivered are below:

“Madam Speaker, it has been nine months since Hurricanes Laura and Delta devastated Southwest Louisiana.

“Our region has endured natural disaster after natural disaster. This past year has been incredibly challenging. Two very powerful major hurricanes, a crippling ice storm, and this week, ongoing… a severe rainfall event that is causing homes and businesses to flood.

“Many families will have to again start the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

“Our people have been resilient in the face of great adversity. A show of incredible strength. But the need for help from the federal government is dire.

“While much work has been done, Southwest Louisiana has long-term recovery needs.

“To date, we’ve worked with our federal partners to deliver well over $1 billion in disaster relief to Louisiana with more on the way.

“We have worked with both President Trump and President Biden to secure increased federal assistance through cost-share adjustments now at levels of 90 and 100 percent.

“These resources have supported Southwest Louisiana’s most immediate needs: housing and rental assistance, utility repairs, debris removal, hazard mitigation, and other disaster response costs.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related bills, these federal disaster accounts have received supplemental funding well beyond normal appropriations and are still available to the people of Southwest Louisiana.

“However, our region requires additional support in the form of long-term recovery resources… primarily through community block-grant funding.

“Louisiana’s Governor issued a formal request to the Biden administration in January of this year. My office has supported our Governor’s request in every way through every channel.

“We have worked for months to build support in Congress for long-term recovery resources, and our efforts to build that coalition have been successful.

“While that support exists broadly, the Biden administration must first respond to our Governor’s official request for supplemental disaster funding. President Biden must formally request specific supplemental disaster relief from Congress. Only then can our brotherhood of support take action here in the House of Representatives. That’s the way it works.

“We have communicated these extreme needs directly to the Biden administration and House Leadership.

“Additionally, the State must do more to ensure private insurance companies are treating Louisiana citizens fairly. This has been a significant issue that has frustrated Louisiana citizens and hindered our recovery efforts.

“I will not stop fighting for the citizens of South Louisiana, and I ask that my colleagues here in this body stand with us. I ask that our President stand with the people of Louisiana.

“We are one nation, and as a Republic of sovereign states, we have never failed to come to each other’s rescue in the wake of natural disaster. Now is one of those moments. This is a time when Americans must stand together as one.

“Every day, we are working to help Louisiana stand back up.

“Thank you Madam Speaker, and I yield the balance of my time.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/18/higgins-announces-additional-225m-hurricane-recovery-efforts-la-03/,Higgins Announces Additional $22.5M for Hurricane Recovery Efforts in LA-03,2021-05-18,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“My office remains committed to South Louisiana’s hurricane recovery needs. To date, the federal government has delivered well over $1 billion in disaster relief, and these latest reimbursements provide additional resources for the impacted parishes. The need for additional resources is even greater following this week’s major rain flooding event. Our recovery mission is ongoing, and we will not stop.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/18/higgins-delivers-letter-biden-urging-additional-recovery-resources-after/,"Higgins Delivers Letter to Biden, Urging Additional Recovery Resources After Floods",2021-05-18,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered an official letter to President Biden today, again urging him to issue a supplemental disaster request following yesterday’s torrential rainfall event and flooding.

“These new floods present new challenges to families that have still not recovered or been made whole from the 2020 hurricanes. As these communities continue to rebuild and recover, they will need continued assistance from the federal government,”wrote Congressman Higgins.“Congress and the federal government have worked together to provide resources to support housing and rental assistance, utility repairs, debris removal, hazard mitigation, and many other disaster response costs.”

“While these efforts help address Southwest Louisiana’s immediate needs, there is a need for long-term recovery resources for the region, especially in light of this latest major rain flooding event. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards wrote to you in January 2021 with a request for additional funding for hurricane recovery and mitigation efforts, which my office supports,”the letter continues. “For nine months, the Louisiana delegation has been working to build support in Congress for supplemental disaster relief. As you know, supplemental disaster relief programs greatly streamline direct access to recovery monies for local governments, small businesses, and individuals. I respectfully urge you to expedite a request to Congress for a disaster supplemental to provide the region with specific funding for the CDBG Disaster Recovery Grants, as well as additional funds for mitigation efforts.”

The full letter is available below or as pdf here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/13/higgins-announces-funding-sulphur-eunice-airports/,"Higgins Announces Funding for Sulphur, Eunice Airports",2021-05-13,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“Infrastructure investments like these ensure that our airports can continue to serve local industry. Southland Field, in particular, was badly damaged during Hurricane Laura. The apron expansion project is one of many needed to restore full operational capacity at the airport. My office will continue to push for infrastructure investments like these, which support and help grow our local economy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/13/higgins-announces-usda-purchase-gulf-shrimp/,Higgins Announces USDA Purchase of Gulf Shrimp,2021-05-13,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will purchase up to $25 million of Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Wild-Caught Shrimp to address food system supply chain disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

USDA will purchase these products via the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Orders should be received during the first week of June with solicitations being issued mid-June and awards occurring near the end of the month.

Solicitations will be available electronically through the Web-Based Supply Chain Management (WBSCM) system and on the Agricultural Marketing Service’s website at www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food. To be eligible to submit offers, potential contractors must meet the AMS vendor qualification requirements and be domestic operations.

Read more about USDA’s announcement here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“My office has continuously pushed for greater inclusion of Gulf seafood in USDA’s food and nutrition programs. Today’s announcement is a win on that front and provides support for Louisiana shrimpers. We will continue working to prioritize Louisiana’s seafood industry.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/13/higgins-louisiana-delegation-call-congressional-hearings-seacor-power-tragedy/,"Higgins, Louisiana Delegation Call for Congressional Hearings on SEACOR Power Tragedy",2021-05-13,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) led a Louisiana Delegation letter today urging House and Senate leadership to hold oversight hearings examining the response to the SEACOR Power tragedy.

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Reps. Steve Scalise (R-LA), Garret Graves (R-LA), Mike Johnson (R-LA), and Julia Letlow (R-LA) all signed on to the letter.

“It is imperative that Congress exercise its oversight authority and take steps to review actions taken to ensure policy gaps are fixed and any lessons learned from the tragedy result in more efficient procedures and a higher degree of marine safety in the future,”wrote the delegation members.“We ask respectfully that the committees of jurisdiction conduct necessary oversight hearings on this tragedy and seek opportunities to improve marine safety procedures overall. Congress has an obligation to take a deeper look into emergency response measures to assist and prevent such tragedies in the future.”

The full letter is available below or as a pdf here.

The referenced media source is missing and needs to be re-embedded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2021/05/12/higgins-receives-taxpayers-friend-award-national-taxpayers-union/,Higgins Receives “Taxpayers’ Friend Award” from the National Taxpayers Union,2021-05-12,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) was recognized by the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) for having one of the strongest voting records for supporting limited government, economic freedom, and lower taxes during the 2020 Congressional session.

This year, Congressman Higgins is one of only 33 House members to have earned the “Taxpayers’ Friend Award.” NTU’s rating program is designed to calculate a Member’s voting record on fiscal responsibility by evaluating every vote that has an impact on tax, spending, trade, and regulatory policy utilizing a methodical weighting system. More information on the report is available here.

Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:

“I’m honored to receive the NTU’s Taxpayers’ Friend Award. It is more important than ever that we fight to restore fiscal responsibility and maintain America’s economic competitiveness. Our national debt is unsustainable. Our grandchildren deserve to inherit a financially sound America, just as my generation did. Our Republic is threatened by insane spending. Some of us are willing to fight against the leviathan that would devour us.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases/letlow-calls-trade-representative-us-ambassador-help-protect-us-rice-exports,"Letlow Calls on Trade Representative, U.S. Ambassador to Help Protect U.S. Rice Exports",2021-05-12,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,LA,Julia Letlow,L000595,letlow.house.gov,letlow,https://letlow.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) today called on U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and the acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Yael Lempert to work diligently to prevent the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy by the UK, as the European Union did earlier this year, for the detection of Propiconazole in imported foods.

Propiconazole is a fungicide commonly applied to rice prior to the maturity of the grain to prevent kernel smut, which can have a significant negative impact on the quality and value of the rice. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducts regulatory, scientific reviews for registered fungicides and has determined Propiconazole safe for use. As a result, the EPA allows for 7 parts per million (PPM) of Propiconazole residue limits for rice.

“A zero-tolerance policy will put our rice growers at a tremendous competitive disadvantage,” said Letlow, who sits on the House Agriculture Committee. “Additional regulations would significantly undermine U.S. growers, creating far greater regulatory burdens and jeopardizing U.S. food production.”

The European Union (EU) failed to renew the registration for Propiconazole, banning the use of the fungicide. In addition, the EU issued a new regulation in February that prevents any imported foods beginning in September 2021 from having any detectable amounts of Propiconazole.

As the United Kingdom seeks to issue individual limits for Propiconazole, Letlow asks Ambassador Tai and Acting Ambassador Lempert to help ensure that any limits adopted do not fall below the EU’s current limit of 1.5 PPM, which the U.S. rice industry has always been successful at meeting.

According to the U.S. Rice Federation, the United Kingdom is the single largest market for U.S. rice sales in Europe. Letlow added that rice is one of Louisiana’s top agricultural exports, generating more than $308 million in economic impact for the state’s rural economies.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z